Keith Hackett furious with Hull vs Chelsea scenes that marred FA Cup game: ‘It’s unacceptable’
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has condemned the “unacceptable” homophobic chanting that took place during Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Hull City on Friday.
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic confirmed after the game that arrests had been made, with messages also displayed on the screens during the game.
A first-half notice confirmed that there had been “discriminatory” chanting from fans inside the stadium, which must “cease immediately”.
Another message after the break confirmed that action had been taken against several supporters, including arrests.
Chelsea beat Hull 4-0 on the night to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup, with Estevao’s goal adding to Pedro Neto’s hat-trick.
Keith Hackett makes feelings clear on FA Cup scenes
On Thursday, Hull released a statement that reaffirmed that any chanting of a homophobic, racist or discriminatory nature would not be tolerated inside the MKM Stadium during Friday’s game.
Any supporter found engaging in such behaviour will face serious consequences, including banning orders and potential criminal prosecution, the statement confirmed.
Yet the Championship club were forced to take action during the game nonetheless, and further arrests could well follow as CCTV footage is reviewed.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: “Sadly at times these incidents take place which harm the image of our great game.
“Fortunately, clubs have great CCTV, which, with the skill of police surveillance, are able to capture the appropriate film clips to enable arrests to be made.
“Some of those guilty who are at home this weekend may just be receiving a knock on the door to spend the weekend in a police cell and an appearance in court. Why? It’s unacceptable.”
What Liam Rosenior and Sergej Jakirovic said
What was due to be a special occasion for Liam Rosenior was unfortunately marred by the scenes in the stands.
The Chelsea manager spent five years at Hull as a player, and returned there as a manager between 2022 and 2024.
The 41-year-old confirmed before the game that he was inviting family to watch the game, which would mark a special return for him.
Asked about the chanting after the game, however, he said: “Any discriminatory language in any form about anything is unacceptable, so I hope it gets dealt with.”
Jakirovic shared a similar sentiment, confirming that action had already been taken against some of the fans involved.
“This is not a place for this, for sure, in the stadium and also in public as well,” he said. “This is not good. The stadium is not a place for that and this is the reason why they have been arrested.”