NafisaKeith Hackett has criticised supporters’ conduct during Celtic and Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup final.
The former PGMOL boss and ex-FIFA referee exclusively told Football Insider that concerns must be raised about the pre-match screening of spectators for such high-profile events.
Celtic had easily seen off Aberdeen in their last clash, with a heavily-changed lineup winning 5-1 on 14 May.
But in the opening half of the Scottish Cup final, the Hoops found it difficult to unlock a well-organised Dons team.
Daizen Maeda has been tipped for a Celtic departure, and the Japan star failed to make a difference from the left flank, where he had been deployed to make room for former Arsenal target Adam Idah.
However, after 40 challenging minutes for the SPFL title-holders, an Alfie Dorrington own-goal from a set piece finally gave Brendan Rodgers‘ men the edge.
Although the goal injected some energy into what had been a fairly dull affair, a flashpoint in the first half caught Hackett’s eye.
Celtic v Aberdeen paused after flare launched onto the field:
With 24 minutes played, referee Don Robertson stopped the action as Celtic attempted to play out from defence.
He gestured toward a corner area, where a smoke flare had landed near the perimeter of the pitch.
The item was promptly removed by a staff member, who cleared it from the playing surface, allowing Robertson to resume the game.
This isn’t the first instance of flares appearing on or around the field lately, and Scottish football authorities have called for “enhanced” banning measures for supporters who bring such devices to stadiums, per BBC News.
Keith Hackett denounces flare thrown onto the pitch:
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Hackett questioned how a supporter could smuggle a flare through security at Hampden Park, and urged a “lifetime ban” for the individual responsible.
He said: “You have to question what body searches are taking place prior to entry to the stadium.
“This is a showcase event watched by millions around the world.
“What a pity that a spectator decides to delay proceedings by throwing onto the pitch a pyrotechnic flare.
“With increased surveillance equipment and security, I hope that a review of the video will reveal the culprit and they [will be] issued a lifetime ban.”
Nafisa
