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Harri Burton

Mon 11 August 2025 16:32, UK

Coventry City and Hull City are likely to hear from the FA following the behaviour of their players over the weekend, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Oli McBurnie, Carl Rushworth, and Matt Crooks failed to control themselves on Saturday, 9 August.

Frustrations were running high as Frank Lampard and Sergej Jakirovic’s sides looked set to cancel each other out at the Coventry Building Society Arena, having to settle for a point.

However, the aforementioned players saw their emotions bubble over before the final whistle, sparking a mass brawl between both sets of players, mainly with McBurnie and Rushworth clashing on the pitch.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Brandon Thomas-Asante was blamed as the Sky Blues had penalty claims waved away, and neither side was short on opportunities to take the lead before it all kicked off between the players.

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The FA are not ones to have a relaxed view of these on-pitch brawls, setting a bad example for those watching at home, so both clubs are likely to receive a retrospective punishment.

Lampard will be hoping to have another shot at promotion this season, while the Tigers will want to avoid slipping anywhere near the relegation zone, but a point each was not the worst result from the opening game.

Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the chances of the clubs being punished, saying: “Rightly, the referee [Robert Madley] stood out and observed.

I would have liked to see him blowing the whistle like crazy, because that can calm things down.

“But in fairness to the referee, he’s remained calm, and he’s made his judgment on what he’s seen.

And if he’s come out of that with three yellows, I applaud him for taking action.



Frank Lampard’s side dominated Hull City.

(Credit Imago)

“I have no doubt that if the authorities are doing their job, then both teams should be charged for failing to control their players if the FA are going to have a consistent approach, trying to stop and act as a deterrent to these types of mass confrontations.