Ex-Fifa official hits out as three-year Everton ban confirmed
The Everton fan who has been banned for three years for threatening and verbally abusing Newcastle United players at Goodison Park should have been given a more “draconian” punishment.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest spectator ban in England.
ITV reported last week (7 July) that Everton fan Robert Williams, 58, had been given a three-year stadium ban because he shouted abuse and threats at the Newcastle players, coaches and stewards near the away team’s exit.
He also received a 12-month community order, 30 days of rehabilitation activity, 80 hours of unpaid work and compensation charges to victims of £200.
The incident came after the Toffees’ 1-0 win over Everton (17 March) where an Alex Iwobi stoppage-time winner gave them a major boost in their quest to stay up.
“We want spectators to be in a safe environment and we want them to behave,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“If they don’t the punishments have to be draconian.
“We talk about a three-year ban, that for me is not enough. I know that’s harsh, but in reality, they’ve got to be more draconian.
“Why have we suddenly drifted from what would normally be a life-time ban to a three-year ban? Are the authorities afraid here?
“It doesn’t send out the right message for me. People will be unhappy with what I’m saying but ultimately, at the end of the day, players and match officials have a right to be safe and not be put at risk.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has shredded Farhad Moshiri as behind-the-scenes Everton meddling is revealed.