Hackett: Man United will be subject to FA investigation after Arsenal bust-up
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Man United and Arsenal will be subject to an investigation by the Football Association following a bust-up in their FA Cup third round clash, Keith Hackett has claimed.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that both clubs are likely to be charged for failing to control their players ahead of an investigation which could see the clubs and players handed further punishments.
Hackett recalled an incident during his refereeing days in which a “21-man brawl” saw both teams handed points deductions after the FA looked into the incident.
While the same punishment would be extremely unlikely in today’s game, the referee’s report will be handed to the FA and a decision will now follow.
FA investigating Arsenal v Man United bust-up after controversial footage emerges
Ruben Amorim’s side progressed into the fourth round on penalties after drawing 1-1 over 120 minutes which saw goals from Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, the game’s flashpoint came following the award of a controversial penalty to the Gunners which sparked a brawl between both sets of players.
Replays of the incident following the referee’s decision appeared to show Manuel Ugarte pushing his head into Havertz, but the potential headbutt which was missed by the match officials.
Had VAR been in use, Hackett has insisted the incident would have been reviewed and the outcome may have been changed to punish the offender.
Instead, the brawl will now be subject to an official FA investigation before the clubs learn of potential punishments including fines for failing to control their players.
“The mass confrontation which may have also seen a player headbutting an opponent will be the subject of an investigation by the Football Association,” he told Football Insider.
“Years ago, I was in the middle of a mass confrontation involving what was a 21-man brawl.
“I decided not to red card anyone on the basis I might have had more than a handful walking in the direction of the tunnel.
“So I submitted a detailed report to the Football Association, who investigated and both teams were deducted points.
“I have no doubt that both teams will be charged for failing to control their players.
“The question that we can ask – if VAR was in operation, that would have been reviewed and the result may well have secured a different outcome.”
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The post Hackett: Man United will be subject to FA investigation after Arsenal bust-up appeared first on Football Insider.
