Ex-Fifa official shreds ‘serial offenders’ Arsenal as new probe begins
Keith Hackett has claimed Arsenal are earning a reputation as “serial offenders” after their exuberant celebrations against Bournemouth on Saturday (4 March) were reported to the Football Association.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed match official Chris Kavanagh was simply following the letter of the law by flagging up the incident – rather than becoming part of an anti-Gunners “agenda”.
As per footage posted to Twitter (4 March), the Arsenal coaching staff and substitutes spilled over onto the pitch as they celebrated Reiss Nelson’s 98th-minute winner against Bournemouth.
According to football.london (6 March), the FA are now investigating the celebrations – with the laws of the game stating that teams must behave in a “responsible manner” on the sidelines.
Referee Kavanagh reported Arsenal to the FA as part of his report on the match.
Speaking post-match and quoted by Dorset Live (4 March), Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil insisted he had no problem with the Gunners’ behaviour – insisting they can “celebrate however they like”.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now five points clear of Man City atop the Premier League.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the referee has to report it.
“He’s followed the correct process by reporting the incident to the FA. It’s now up to them whether they charge the club again.
“But Arsenal are serial offenders for stuff like this. The fans may feel that there’s an agenda against them.
“Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance in your celebration.
“It’s something new almost every week with Arsenal at the moment.”
In other news, Football Insider updates with Arsenal set to listen to offers for three senior stars.