‘SFA must consider stadium closures after absolute no-no in Livingston vs Rangers’
Ex-FIFA listed official Keith Hackett has suggested that stadium closures should be considered by the SFA after fans entered the pitch at Almondvale Stadium during Livingston 2-2 Rangers.
Rangers completed a two-goal turnaround after going 2-0 down after 55 minutes in Sunday’s eventful contest.
Mikey Moore’s late header rescued a point in what was ultimately a disappointing day for Danny Rohl’s Gers.
The Ibrox club did not want to settle for a draw, and after Moore scored the equaliser, multiple members of the squad went to grab the ball to restart play.
However, the Livingston’s Jerome Prior refused to relinquish the ball, with supporters rushing from the stands to the goal during the tussle for the ball.
The moment has been described as an “absolute no-no” by Hackett, who believes strong sanctions should be placed.
What did Hackett say about the scenes at Almondvale?
Hackett is not one bit happy with the scenes during Rangers’ trip to West Lothian, as the former referee insists the Scottish FA intervene now.
He believes the goalkeeper should be more protected in instances like this and that the game is falling into disrepute.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “Fans getting onto the pitch is an absolute no-no, and the Scottish FA and the club need to carry out a thorough review of this incident.
“I shudder at the thought that the goalkeeper was so vulnerable in this situation. What is happening to the reputation of Scotland’s fans and their unacceptable behaviour? It is tarnishing the image of our game and the competition.
“The question the Scottish FA need to ask themselves is whether the fines they impose are sufficient. It is time to review security at every club in the competition and to set minimum requirements on stadium security matters.”
Hackett continues on to suggest what changes he believes would be sufficient, with the following being proposed:
- More Police
- More safety stewards
- Heavier financial fines
- Stadium bans or part ground closures
Those sanctions could be enough to force clubs to employ stronger security and stop fans from running onto the pitch.
Hackett also challenges Scottish referees to be stricter
The situation at Almondvale could have been avoided if Prior had not resorted to time-wasting tactics in order to delay the restart of the game.
Rangers were looking to score a winning goal to keep their title hopes in good stead but would ultimately drop two points.
Livingston wasting time following the equaliser certainly did not help matters.
While fans rushing the field is not what we want to be seen, preventing the opportunity in the first place must be considered.
In cases such as Sunday’s game, Hackett wants the Scottish FA to advise through Willie Collum to insist time-wasting to delay the restart of the game results in a yellow card without warning.
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