Exclusive: PSG face sanction over Marcus Rashford incident v Aston Villa
Paris Saint-Germain now face punishment from UEFA thanks to their fans’ actions during the clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Ligue 1 champions could be fined after Marcus Rashford had missiles fired at him from the away end.
While the England international was unable to get on the scoresheet during an incredibly thrilling night of Champions League football, he caused issues for PSG’s defence, especially in the second half.
Rashford, who Villa fans are desperate to keep this summer, forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into multiple saves, but it was just not enough as the Villans were knocked out of the Champions League on aggregate.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa pulled their side within just one goal of equalising, even after early blows from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, but PSG held on to a 5-4 win on aggregate.
PSG fans bring dark cloud over Villa Park after brilliant Champions League battle
Football hooliganism can often rear its ugly head in English football, though it was instead the travelling fans from France that left many disappointed after a battle of class at Villa Park.
Rangers versus Celtic in the Old Firm derby is very well-known for clashes of fans, in the stadium and the streets of Glasgow, but it was just one set of fans on this occasion.
The incident with Rashford was not picked up by the video cameras, but with Amazon Prime Video commentator Jon Champion taking note of “items being thrown at” Rashford as he prepared to take a corner just before assisting Ezri Konsa, Hackett has shared if the French side could be struck with a ban.
| Aston Villa | PSG |
| 34% possession | 66% possession |
| 17 shots (9 on target) | 14 shots (7 on target) |
| 5 big chances missed | 2 big chances missed |
| 5 corners | 5 corners |
Keith Hackett issues ban verdict after PSG fans launch missiles
Speaking to Football Insider about the potential punishment PSG could face, the former referee said:
“If the UEFA observer has seen this, he will report the matter, and if proven, a sanction will be imposed.
“A fine is likely, rather than a ban.”
Despite an incredible second-half display, the Villans and Emery will now have to turn their attention to a top-five finish in the Premier League and trying to lift the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.