Ex-Fifa official: Liverpool may be lobbying Government to issue major ban after confirmed news
Liverpool and the Premier League may be lobbying the government to ban the sale of smoke bombs, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Uefa referee delivered his verdict after the Premier League announced new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour amongst fans.
The Premier League confirmed last week (21 September) that supporters found guilty of carrying or activating pyrotechnics or smoke bombs, or entering the pitch without permission will receive a minimum ban of one year.
The new policy is effective immediately as the Premier League resumes following an international break this weekend.
Liverpool are in action on Saturday (1 October) when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield.
"I think that the Premier League should be applauded for taking a very positive approach and sending a clear signal," Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"That clear signal will reverberate around the game. It will help clubs at grassroots level.
"The amount of times we've spoken about smoke bombs, therefore, I think taking appropriate action is the right course.
"How are they going to be prevented at the World Cup? Will we see them?
"The only way they can prevent it in Qatar is banning the sale of smoke bombs.
"I wonder if any approach has been made by the government to ban the sale of smoke bombs. Those are the approaches I presume the Premier League is doing to the government to try and prevent it.
"I think action will be taken on that."