Exclusive: Arsenal and Man United stars ‘ignored ref’s orders’ in new controversy
Arsenal and Man United stars completely “ignored” instructions from Andy Madley as PGMOL referees were crack down on players holding and pulling in the penalty box during corner kicks.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the footballing authorities must “get their house in order” over the “nonsense” that takes place as teams line up to deliver their set-pieces.
This issue has been a repeated concern during Arsenal games, with their players often utilising blocking and holding to gain an advantage from which they often profit.
It was seen again in the FA Cup as Mikel Arteta’s side faced a visit from Ruben Amorim’s Man United and were knocked out in the third round on penalties after drawing 1-1 over 120 minutes.
Andy Madley told to crack down on corner kick ‘nonsense’ after Arsenal v Man United clash
Arsenal have scored nine goals from corners in the Premier League this season, far greater than the Premier League average, and utilise set-pieces as a major attacking weapon.
They capitalised on their set-piece abilities again against United after the visitors failed to clear and allowed Gabriel to fire home on the volley.
However, much has been said about their use of blocking in the area, and Hackett has now insisted the referees must step in and make a firm decision.
Match official Andy Madley warned those on both sides not to hold in the area, but was routinely ignored by both sets of players.
Hackett has insisted the practice of warning players is a “waste of time” as the incidents continue to take place in spite of the referee’s efforts.
Instead, the former PGMOL official has insisted referees should allow the corner kick to be taken, before blowing the whistle to award a penalty or free kick instead of their lack of action.
He went on to call on the footballing authorities to collectively alter the way they respond to incidents during corner kicks in an attempt to crack down.
“Here we go again,” he told Football Insider.
“The game of rugby at a corner kick in the Arsenal v Man United game.
“Once again, the referee goes in and warns, but the players do not respond.
“Andy Madley and your colleagues, stop going in and warning players – they are ignoring you and it’s a waste of time.
“Just blow for the corner kick to be taken and then either point to the penalty mark or award a free kick to the defending team.
“When is football going to stop this nonsense? Football authorities, put your house in order.”
In other news, Arsenal scouts are ‘keeping tabs’ on Kingsley Coman.
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