Ex-Premier League referee demands ’10-year ban’ after confirmed Man United news
The Leicester City fan who threw a flare during their 1-1 draw with Man United at Old Trafford in the 2021-22 season (2 April) should have been handed a “10-year ban”, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted a strong message has to be sent with the use of flares.
The Manchester Evening News reported last month (21 June) that Amar Raithatha, 26, had been handed a three-year ban for throwing a flare at Old Trafford.
He has also been ordered to pay £200 in compensation to a woman who was sitting in the disabled section after she had to have treatment because of the flare.
Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “What appears to have happened, is it’s likely there will be discussions at the Premier League with the 20 shareholders to say ‘What is the course of action we are going to take? What is the consistency that should apply?’
“Three years seems a bit light when you consider the potential danger they put colleagues in.
“I would have suggested, grow up and give them a 10-year ban and leave it at that.
“Ultimately at the end of the day, there is a growing trend of people with these flares and there isn’t an acceptance that there isn’t a danger when there is.”
Leicester City kick off their 2022-23 campaign with the visit of Brentford next month (7 August).
Meanwhile, Man United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on the same day.
In other news, a Champions League club has made a move to sign a Man United superstar after an Erik ten Hag decision.