Ex-Fifa official demands radical change after Man City controversy – ‘football should be concerned’
Keith Hackett has urged football clubs to “seriously consider” increasing security for the final game of seasons after “concerning” scenes at Man City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official wants increased police presence at such games to protect players and staff.
As shown on Sky News (23 May), Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked by a Man City fan during a pitch invasion at the Etihad.
On Sunday (22 May), Man City issued an apology to the Villa goalkeeper and revealed an investigation into the incident has been launched.
Once identified the individual will be handed an indefinite stadium ban.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on the incident at the Etihad, Hackett said: “First of all, there is a cost implication that football clubs have to think seriously about.
“It is relatively easy for the clubs to increase security for the final day of the season. They could bring more police protection into a stadium at a financial cost.
“Towards the end of the game the police could surround the perimeter with the stewards. It needs to be considered seriously.
“It didn’t look good at Man City. I saw stewards surrounding City players but I did not see the same protection fo the Aston Villa goalkeeper. He was vulnerable.
“Football should be concerned. That could have been a weapon.”
In other news, a pundit has issued a ‘big’ Jack Grealish prediction after what he’s heard at Man City.