NafisaThe Scottish FA could consider handing out a points deduction after Celtic supporters stormed the pitch against Hearts on Saturday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that previous punishments have done very little to discourage fans in similar situations.
Ugly scenes emerged following the Hoops’ Scottish Cup final win over Rangers in March, with the club being warned of a sanction heading their way, but supporters seemingly let their emotions take control.
Daizen Maeda appeared to score the decisive winner in the 87th minute on 16 May, only for Callum Osmand to add a third, and all chaos broke loose at Celtic Park, leaving the Jambos devastated.
The Scottish FA urged to take strong action over Celtic pitch invasion:
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The Scottish FA will have to look seriously at what measures they need to take to prevent fans’ intrusions onto the field of play.
“They should consult with the club in an effort to stop fans from getting onto the pitch. This may be achieved by increasing the number of stewards surrounding the perimeter of the pitch.
“Or it will be a monetary fine that, to date, appears to have had little effect. I would suggest that, on the horizon, they will be considering two possible options.
“Firstly, a match played with no supporters being allowed into the stadium. Or secondly, it will be the ultimate punishment of a points deduction. They cannot ignore this incursion, where players’ and officials’ safety are at risk.”
Don Robertson left with no choice but to blow final whistle early:
There was also the controversy surrounding the full-time whistle itself, with nobody in the stadium actually sure if the referee had blown his whistle, crowning Celtic the champions.
Hackett was just as confused as everyone, but was very supportive of Robertson’s decision to end the match.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “There was certainly confusion after Celtic put the ball into an open goal, empty of the goalkeeper, who had pushed up into his opponent’s box in search of an equaliser.
“What happened next is that the home fans could not contain their excitement and, sadly, ran onto all areas of the stadium. The referee, who had delivered a strong performance, I am sure, would have liked to have seen a restart at the halfway line and then blow the final whistle.
“Frankly, he had no chance of being in a position to do that because of the disorder. The Scottish FA will have been present at the game, and they will have to decide what action they need to take.”
Nafisa
