Ex-Fifa official: Premier League may intervene as Erling Haaland controversy takes new twist at Man City
The Premier League need to intervene and remind Man City and the rest of the clubs about swearing in post-match broadcast interviews, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted passion cannot be used as an excuse for ill-discipline.
Erling Haaland swore twice, although it was bleeped, in his post-game interview with Sky Sports after City’s 2-0 win over West Ham last week (7 August).
Ralph Hassenhutl did similar on Saturday (13 August) after his Southampton side rescued a 2-2 draw with Leeds United.
The Athletic reported on Monday (15 August) that neither will face any retrospective action.
“I think the Premier League have a very good relationship with the PFA and I think they should discuss this,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Not only with the PFA but the Premier League are the clubs. So the Premier League head office should say ‘Look, whoever you are going to volunteer to speak to the media and represent your club, we want them to be suitably media trained and to understand the constraints’.
“This is about education, the appropriate selection and the responsibility of each club to ensure the image of their club is put across in a positive manner.
“We watched the Women’s Euros in recent weeks and saw a lot of positivity in terms of how they conducted themselves both on the field and in post-match interviews.
“Don’t let passion to be an excuse for ill-discipline.”
Haaland has scored twice in two Premier League games for Man City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are next in action on Sunday (21 August) when they travel to Newcastle United.
In other news, Jack Grealish is set for an extended spell out of the Man City XI amid a “massive” claim.