Ex-PGMOL boss predicts Tottenham and Aston Villa to be retrospectively punished, fines could be up to £250,000
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Ex-PGMOL Boss Predicts Tottenham and Aston Villa to Face Retrospective Fines Up to £250,000
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has called for Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa to be hit with retrospective punishments, including hefty fines potentially reaching £250,000, following controversial incidents in their recent FA Cup clash.[2]
The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was marred by early controversy, with referee Craig Pawson drawing sharp criticism from Hackett for failing to issue yellow cards for two reckless challenges in the first half. Just minutes into the game, Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara was forced off after a strong tackle from Tottenham's Joao Palhinha, while earlier, Spurs' Xavi Simons was upended by Villa's Lamare Bogarde, landing awkwardly and needing time to recover.[2][3]
Hackett, speaking exclusively to media outlets, exploded in frustration: "What is he [Craig Pawson] doing? Two clear reckless challenges that should have received yellow cards. One of them resulted in the player having to be substituted." He accused Pawson of not asserting authority early, allowing both teams to escape sanction and setting a dangerous tone.[2]
Drawing parallels to broader refereeing issues, Hackett referenced his recent demands for retrospective action in other matches, like the "pantomime" simulation by Bournemouth's Amine Adli against Arsenal, which he labeled a "disease" plaguing the Premier League. He advocated for an FA panel of experts to review missed incidents via replays, issuing yellow cards or bans to deter deception.[1]
For Tottenham and Villa, Hackett predicts the FA will investigate post-match, imposing fines up to £250,000 per club for conduct prejudicing the game's image. He warns that without such measures—beyond on-pitch bans—reckless play and poor officiating will persist, risking player welfare and league integrity. Villa boss Unai Emery will hope Kamara's injury isn't serious, as it could derail their Champions League push.[2]
Hackett's stance underscores growing calls for stricter retrospective protocols, urging PGMOL and the FA to act decisively amid fan outrage.[1][5]