Ex-Premier League referee: Blackpool ban possible as controversial footage emerges
Blackpool and the rest of English football has a “problem” with crowd trouble, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after Blackpool’s pre-season game with Southport on Saturday (2 July) had to be suspended for 10 minutes due to issues in the stand.
The Press Association’s Simon Peach shared footage of the incident on Twitter.
BBC News reported on Monday (4 July) the police have said fans involved could be banned from games in the future.
“I was pleased with the referee’s actions in the Southport-Blackpool game,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“It’s very clear that football has got a problem and it should ask itself, does it have sufficient well-trained security people at the ground to meet the demands of the spectator numbers? Does it have police present in order to support the stewards in grounds?
“It’s no good saying ‘It’s a pre-season friendly, we’re not going to have problems’ because to some degree you have problems.
“Clearly there weren’t enough people to calm things down. I don’t want to publicly hammer the stewards but it’s interesting to see how they look the other way.
“The stewards in football grounds, and I understand why are so ineffective compared to police officers.
“Therefore, here’s the referee who has shown a great degree of responsibility towards the safety of the players and the second thing is that players aren’t going to get dragged into the argument.
“Home team players may ask the fans to calm down and all of a sudden are met with a number of away fans might spark up the scenario.
“Taking them off for ten minutes is the right thing. They were fighting and the referee was left with little option and it was a wise move.
“Referees are not managing a game of football, they are managing an event. This young referee has demonstrated an experience that makes me say I’m grateful he was refereeing this match rather than someone with less experience, a cheaper option that clubs will go for. Well done to him.”
In other news, Blackpool may have received “small change” for a “big” loss after a reshuffle is confirmed.