Hackett: 'Instigator' Franco faces sanction on Riza clash in Cardiff v Swansea
Today at 08:38 AM
Swansea City midfielder Goncalo Franco could face punishment over his collision with Cardiff City manager in the South Wales derby, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old could have avoided the incident had he wanted to.
It was a afternoon to forget for Franco and his side on Saturday (18 January), as they were comfortably 3-0 at the home of their closest rivals.
Now the Swansea man could yet be at the centre of further fall-out from one incident late on in the game that could give him more problems.
Goncalo Franco responsible for Omer Riza bust-up in Cardiff vs Swansea
With the game deep into second-half stoppage time and the hosts all but guaranteed the three points, Franco while chasing the ball off the field, appeared to intentionally barge into Riza.
That prompted a furious reaction from the Cardiff manager, who was then sent off, although the Swansea midfielder managed to escape a card.
Hackett though believes that the Portuguese may not have fully escaped punishment yet though, suggesting the incident will be reviewed.
When asked by Football Insider if the Swansea man was lucky not to have been booked for his part in the bust-up with Riza, the former referee said:
“I can understand the manager being upset because the player didn’t put the brakes on. I do think the Swansea player was fortunate to get away with it.
“Because the referee could easily have cautioned him, because he had the ability that player to change direction.
“So in a sense he’s the instigator of this particular problem and I’m surprised and disappointed that the referee didn’t issue him with a yellow card.
“The reaction from the manager is totally unacceptable, that’s for sure, he no doubt will receive a sanction, punishment for that action.
“But he’s unfortunate, he’s taken a crunch from a player running into him, who he feels, and I probably support, could have avoided that clash, or at least put the breaks on.
“The point I’m making here is this player is running towards that manager, he’s not actually running parallel to the touchline, there’s almost an act of it’s pre-meditated really, from the player’s point of view.
“I think the player’s very lucky. There’s no doubt that this will be looked at by the Welsh FA obviously because there’s a Welsh connection with both clubs.
“It will be interesting to see whether in fact the Welsh FA in looking at it and examining it, what view they might take of that player, because they may consider that as the instigator, he should be charged, so watch this space. If he doesn’t he’s going to be a lucky boy.”
Swansea are now winless in their last four games in all competitions following that defeat to their local rivals, as they sit mid-table in the Championship.
Football Insider understands they are among the clubs interested in Osaze Urhoghide as they aim to strengthen in the January transfer window.
Cardiff meanwhile are currently 20th, one point clear of the relegation zone following that derby day success.
In other news, Swansea and Preston are plotting bids to sign a Barnsley player this month.
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