Ex-Fifa official: PL told to clamp down on Aston Villa antics after what I saw – ‘everyone is aware…’
Keith Hackett has insisted new PGMOL chief Howard Webb must “deal with” and “clamp down” on time-wasting teams like Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Unai Emery’s side are one of the “worst culprits” in the top-flight thanks to their “obvious” ploys.
Aston Villa’s time-wasting tactics were denounced by commentators and pundits from early on in their clash with Tottenham on Sunday (1 January) – a game they eventually won 2-0.
Ezri Konsa was booked for time-wasting in the 66th minute, and seven minutes were added on at the end of the game by referee John Brooks.
Villa’s tactics pre-date the arrival of new boss Unai Emery, with Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch ripping into their “snail-paced” tempo and accusing the Villains of “slowing the game down” back in October.
Aston Villa sit 12th in the Premier League following the win – some eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Referees have a responsibility to deal with this.
“It’s delaying free-kicks, it’s the wall refusing to move back, it’s the goalkeeper holding onto the ball. We’re not in a good place in the Premier League.
“We see referees cautioning players for time-wasting towards the end of games when in fact, it has been going on for most of the match.
“I think Howard Webb, in his new role, has got to highlight this both to referees and players and clamp down.
“There’s no doubt that everyone is aware of what Aston Villa are trying to do. They’re one of the worst culprits.
“The media are aware, the fans are aware – because it’s so obvious. It really ought to be dealt with by the referees.”
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