Ex-Fifa official: Liverpool told to launch complete overhaul after ‘big’ BBC reveal
Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League need to invest more in ensuring spectators can remain safe in football grounds, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after the “surprising” number of fans injured at games last season was revealed.
BBC Sport reported earlier this month (12 December) that more than 1,800 fans suffered injuries in the Premier League and EFL during the 2021-22 campaign.
Liverpool and Man City released a joint statement on Friday (23 December) confirming that there was a number of “unacceptable incidents” during City’s 3-2 win at the Etihad in the Carabao Cup on Thursday (22 December).
The Telegraph reported the same day that the police had launched an investigation after a 15-year-old girl and a Man City fan suffered head injuries after being hit by a full plastic pint pot weighted with coins thrown.
“It’s a big number,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I was so surprised. I know it could be someone that has bit into a red hot pie or spilt his bovril because it’s too hot.
“I’m not trying to be amusing because when spectators throw coins and light flares these are the issues. Also, when there is a surge forward and there’s a potential crushing effect, these are the things that clubs need to always be vigilant on and they are, generally.
“You’ve got daft people throwing bottles in the air and all those sorts of things which don’t help.
“I think that security officers at the grounds at which they operate may need to have their authority reinforced. I’m sure, at times, they’ve got a battle in terms of cost against effectiveness.”
In other news, Liverpool are in talks to sign a striker Jurgen Klopp has called “sensational”.