Ex-Fifa official slams ‘dangerous’ fan trend as Rotherham-Crewe Alexandra controversy analysed
An “unacceptable” trend is emerging after a linesman was struck with an object thrown by Rotherham United supporters on Saturday.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “dangerous” incident which marred the Millers’ 2-0 away win over Crewe at the weekend (29 January).
A member of Rotherham’s travelling contingent allegedly threw an object at the referee’s assistant, who was subsequently replaced by the fourth official for the remainder of the game.
Saturday’s incident is just the latest in a spate of similar occurrences.
The most prominent incident took place at Goodison Park last month (22 January) – where Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne and Matty Cash were struck by a bottle thrown by Everton supporters.
Hackett insisted football is going down a “dangerous path” which could see officials remove players from the field of play in the future.
“An object was thrown which originated from Rotherham United’s supporters,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“This is about the fourth or fifth week in a row which we’ve seen an incident like that. This is a trend that’s emerging that really isn’t acceptable.
“I’m really surprised to see that from Rotherham fans. I’ve been to their stadium a number of times and they are usually very well behaved, but you only need one fan – and he’s done the damage.
“This whole area, the safety of players and officials is really important. Are we going to get to the point where the actions of one individual will lead to the referee walking the players off?
“Are we moving in that direction? It’s certainly a dangerous path we’re going down at present.”
Rotherham released a statement post-match.
They expressed their “embarrassment” at the incident, before promising to “identify and punish the individual in question”.
Speaking post-match, Millers boss Paul Warne insisted that “one person’s behaviour has spoiled it for everybody”.
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