Ex-Fifa official cites Erling Haaland as Man City handed ‘huge’ punishment
Man City have been sent a “huge” message to tighten up security at the Etihad Stadium, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after Man City were slapped with a £260,000 fine.
The FA confirmed in a statement last week (7 October) that the club had admitted to failing to control their supporters during their win over Aston Villa at the end of last season (22 May).
Pep Guardiola’s side came from two goals down to secure the Premier League title in a dramatic game.
As quoted by the Guardian, Steven Gerrard claimed his goalkeeper Robin Olsen was “attacked” during a pitch invasion at the end of the game.
“It’s big,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Look, to us in the street, this is a fortune, it’s a huge amount.
“It sends the message that clubs are now going to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
“They can increase security and clubs are being told to police it properly because of the damage it does to the image of the Premier League.
“In the last 10 or 14 days, we’ve seen clear statements from the Premier League to show they don’t want fans on the football field.
“This stems from the Taylor report and the Hillsborough disaster where fans on the pitch are breaking the law.
“It’s huge but to Man City it is not a lot of money. It’s a third of what Haaland earns a week.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a “shock” claim as a £68million-a-year Man City payout is analysed.