Ex-Fifa official: Tottenham may have 'unmanageable' problem after landmark development
Keith Hackett has admitted he is worried the introduction of safe standing at Premier League clubs like Tottenham may lead to more items being thrown from supporters at players.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the current trial period has not caused any issues but there has been an increase in missiles being thrown at other stadiums in recent weeks.
BBC Sport reported on Monday (10 January) Millwall have identified two fans who threw missiles at Crystal Palace's Michael Olise during the FA Cup tie between the two sides on Saturday (8 January).
Hull City revealed on Monday (10 January) they are working with police to investigate similar incidents during their game with Everton.
Supporters in the lower half of the south stand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were allowed to stand for the first time during their 3-1 win over Morecambe on Sunday (9 January).
It was the first time this was allowed as Spurs and five other clubs began a trial period of safe standing at the beginning of the month.
"There are people who go to a football match who historically prefer to stand, it's a part of their afternoon," Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"The clubs are making an effort and it looks as though the safe standing is safe, which is the first thing.
"But it does give the avenue of a fan to throw an object. We're pretty good in England, against Europe. I'm not exaggerating it.
"We're just on a bit of a run of it. In Europe, it's smoke bombs, fireworks, Roman candles, it's those sorts of things.
"That's why I take a reserved, conservative view which is stop it [throwing objects] now before it's almost unmanageable."
"Ok, it's at the experimental stage and there doesn't appear to be any major issues."