Exclusive: UEFA to react after Declan Rice incident in Arsenal vs Dynamo Zagreb
Keith Hackett believes that the referee should have stopped play as Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice had objects thrown on him by the Dinamo Zagreb crowd.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief, ex-FIFA, and Premier League referee believes that “very dangerous” objects being thrown should’ve made the referee increase the security pressure at the Emirates.
Whenever Rice went to take a corner for the Gunners, he was targeted by the Dinamo Zagreb crowd, who threw objects in his direction.
Tim Sherwood added to this, speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special (8:06 pm), and said that the items appeared to include “pint cups” and “lighters, and coins.”
Despite the dangerous situation, referee Daniel Siebert allowed the match to continue, forcing Rice to proceed while objects were thrown at him.
While Arsenal dealt with the issues during the game, the aftermath is likely to bring consequences for Dinamo Zagreb.
Arsenal endured the issues, but the consequences await Dinamo Zagreb
The English international scored in the opening two minutes of the game after a brilliant start.
Kai Havertz set up the goal, cushioning a ball back to Rice inside the box, and the midfielder finished with aplomb.
A victory would see Arsenal end the night with 16 points in the Champions League, temporarily sit in third place, and secure automatic qualification to the next round.
Hackett told Football Insider:“The throwing of missiles towards match officials is very dangerous. Who knows what is going to be thrown next.
“The referee should stop play and request increased security presence around the area where objects are been thrown.
“A public announcement is the next course of action with a public announcement.
“There is a UEFA match delegate at the stadium and he will be submitting a detailed report.”
Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to Wolves on 25 January, where their target, Matheus Cunha, could be playing for them instead, following news of a potential move.
In other news, Nottingham Forest may be about to hijack a move for one of Arsenal’s transfer targets this January.
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