Keith Hackett

Mon 11 November 2024 14:45, UK

Keith Hackett believes that Arsenal and Chelsea could end up being fined for “failing to control their players” during the derby day game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (10 November).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee, who remains well connected in PGMOL circles, claimed that “both clubs should be charged” for how they treated Michael Oliver during the 1-1 draw.

The London derby was hotly contested with several incidents such as Kai Havertz’s offside goal which caused drama between the players and Oliver.

The experienced referee saw himself surrounded by several players from both teams, which is something that Hackett believes deserves to be punished.

Chelsea and Arsenal could both be dealt punishments

Hackett told Football Insider, “There shouldn’t be any leeway, no.

“Going back to my era, when I had the Manchester United versus Arsenal ‘Battle of Old Trafford,’ where there was 21 players in a mass brawl, out of that game came a clear procedure when it comes to mass confrontations, but here it’s slightly different.

“The general view is that three or more players surrounding the referee is an offence that should be reported by the referee to the competition.

“To be consistent, both clubs should be charged for failing to control their players, that’s an important one.

“The bigger picture is that at the World Cup, we saw only the captains being able to speak to the referee, and that was a very positive move.

“For some reason, the Premier League and PGMOL decided not have that procedure in place in the Premier League, and that was a massive error.

“If they’re not going to have that, then the referees deserve the right to be protected.

“Michael Oliver has made a decision and players have surrounded him, I hope he’s reported the matter to the FA.

“If he does, then both teams could be charged for failing to control their players.”

In other news, Arsenal want to sign striker who’s ‘one of best in the world’ – Insider.

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