Crystal Palace told to find loophole to battle against ‘outdated’ FA rule as news emerges
Crystal Palace should defy the rules by handing over their gate receipts following the Premier League’s clash with Macclesfield in the FA Cup.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Eagles should be “applauded” for wanting to give all proceeds to the non-league club.
Oliver Glasner’s side were stunned by Macclesfield earlier this month, causing the current FA Cup holders to be knocked out of the competition in a historic result at Moss Rose Stadium.
After a mass pitch invasion, the FA were urged not to fine Macclesfield, which would have put a dampener on the moment, but the authorities continue to be a huge talking point over the game.
The Premier League giants wanted to hand over all gate receipts to the non-league club after the two sides met, but both were warned over breaking rules by the FA.
Keith Hackett wants Crystal Palace to defy the FA’s rules
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The FA will take the view that, before the start of the season, all the participating clubs agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of the competition.
“Clearly, in my opinion, the action by Crystal Palace should be applauded, and their gesture to assist a club like Macclesfield would make such a difference to their finances.
“Clubs have to stick to the regulations. However, I hope that Crystal Palace will find a way around this outdated rule. The FA need to review this rule with a view to a change.”
Exeter City were also warned after requesting more of the funds from their clash against Man City at the Etihad Stadium, leaving many football fans baffled by the FA’s actions.
Premier League club clearly want to do the right thing for Macclesfield
It is certainly a strange rule, and one that is causing a lot of division amongst football fans, even weeks on from Macclesfield’s incredible victory in the FA Cup.
Before the game, Palace pledged that all gate receipts would stay at the Moss Rose Stadium, a decision which was greatly appreciated by the club plying their trade in National League North.
Many are wondering exactly what the FA would do if the Eagles just broke the rules anyway, while Man City have chosen to follow the regulations by keeping their share of the proceeds from tickets.
It all seems like a huge drama out of very little, and Hackett is spot-on with his calls for the Premier League side to find a loophole in the situation.