Ex-Premier League referee: Liverpool could face ‘points deduction’ amid new twist in Jurgen Klopp controversy
Keith Hackett has claimed clubs from Liverpool all the way to the grassroots level should face points deductions for referee abuse as the FA looks to clamp down on “toxic behaviour”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed additional support for officials and body cameras could also be the answer at the amateur level.
According to The Telegraph (20 December), the FA are preparing to launch a major crackdown on referee abuse with a wide-ranging new “Referee Strategy” set to be published in February 2023.
It is said that 380 grassroots players and coaches were banned over the past year following a “shocking upturn in violence and abuse”.
Jurgen Klopp drew criticism for his outburst at the linesman during Liverpool’s fraught 1-0 home win over Man City in October.
He initially escaped a touchline ban for the incident, but the FA eventually intervened to ensure the German sat out his side’s win over Southampton last month.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s got to be a bottom-up, top-down approach to stamping this out.
“From a grassroots perspective, the FA have got to consider appointing a referee liaison officer for every team.
“This guy would take charge of the referee, and the security of the referee. He’s got to have the authority to eject people from the game.
“Body cameras might be another answer at grassroots level, and they might act as a deterrent to abuse.
“I think there’s got to be a sustained program at all levels of football to put a stop to this.
“In terms of punishments, are the fines enough? For me, it’s draconian – but I think we’re heading towards points deductions.”
In other news, pundit backs Liverpool to sign Jude Bellingham alternative after update on signing three more stars.