Hackett: ‘Lifetime ban’ demanded as Celtic-Aberdeen controversy re-analysed
Keith Hackett has slammed fans’ behaviour during Celtic and Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup final.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that questions had to be raised surrounding the pre-match searches of attendees for such major spectacles.
Celtic had comfortably dispatched of Aberdeen in their previous meeting, with a much-rotated side winning 5-1 on 14 May.
But during the first half of the Scottish Cup final, the Hoops struggled to break down a resolute Dons side.
Daizen Maeda has been linked with a Celtic exit, and the Japan international struggled to have an impact from the left wing, where he had been moved to, to accommodate for one-time Arsenal target Adam Idah.
However, after 40 frustrating minutes for the SPFL champions, an Alfie Dorrington own-goal from a corner gave Brendan Rodgers‘ side the breakthrough.
Though the goal added life to a rather unspectacular spectacle, a moment in the first half caught the attention of Hackett.
Celtic v Aberdeen halted after flare thrown on the pitch
With 24 minutes gone, referee Don Robertson halted proceedings as Celtic looked to build out from the back.
The referee pointed to a corner flag, where a pyrotechnic flare sat near the edge of the pitch.
The flare was quickly dealt with by a member of staff, who was able to move the object away from the field of play, allowing Robertson to get play underway again.
This is not the first time that flares have made their way onto, or near, the pitch in recent times and Scotland’s football clubs wanted to see “beefed up” banning orders for fans who bring pyrotechnics to matches, according to BBC News.
Keith Hackett condemns pyrotechnic being thrown onto pitch
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Hackett questioned how fans had even managed to sneak a flare past security at Hampden Park, whilst also calling for a “lifetime ban” for the fan who had thrown it onto the pitch.
He said: “You have to question what body searches are taking place prior to entry to the stadium.
“This is a showcase event watched by millions around the world.
“What a pity that a spectator decides to delay proceedings by throwing onto the pitch a pyrotechnic flare.
“With increased surveillance equipment and security, I hope that a review of the video will reveal the culprit and they [will be] issued a lifetime ban.”