Authorities must do more after Crystal Palace fan incident at Wembley – Ex-FIFA ref
The football authorities must do more to prevent pyrotechnic displays after Sunday’s Community Shield clash between Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
Oliver Glasner’s men defeated the Reds via a penalty shootout after playing out a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes at Wembley.
Liverpool established a 1-0 lead through summer signing Hugo Ekitike, before Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised from the penalty spot for Crystal Palace.
Arne Slot’s side went 2-1 up thanks to Jeremie Frimpong, before the South Londoners equalised once more through Ismaila Sarr and subsequently kept their nerve in the shootout.
Football authorities called upon after Crystal Palace pyrotechnic display at Wembley
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
The Eagles won their first major trophy when they beat Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final, and they have added to their trophy cabinet by defeating the Premier League champions on 10 August.
However, the occasion was somewhat dampened by the fact that some of the Selhurst Park faithful lit flares behind the goal shortly after kickoff at Wembley, while holding an anti-UEFA banner.
The South London outfit are still awaiting UEFA’s decision over whether they will compete in this season’s Europa League or the Conference League.
Hackett issues verdict on Palace supporters incident at Wembley
Former FIFA referee Hackett exclusively told Football Insider: “The football authorities need to do more to stop flares getting into the stadium. Until they do this will be a growing problem.
“The Anti UEFA banner will have been noted by their representatives who are in attendance at the ground“.
Palace begin their Premier League season with an away trip to London rivals Chelsea on Sunday, 17 August.