A former Premier League referee has claimed that MLS side LAFC should be fined as a result of an incident involving Olivier Giroud during the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in their opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup. The 2022 MLS Cup winners were no match for Enzo Maresca's side on Monday night, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez enough to separate the two in front of a near-empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The encounter did give Giroud a chance to face off against his former club, however, having previously had a two-and-a-half-year stint at Stamford Bridge where he lifted the Europa League, FA Cup and Champions League. However, the French veteran may have landed his current employers in some hot water, according to one former official.
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Giroud Delay Should Lead to LAFC Fine According to ex-PL Referee
Keith Hackett slammed the time it took the striker to come on as a substitute
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Speaking with Football Insider, former Premier League official Keith Hackett said that the time it took Olivier Giroud to enter the field after being brought on as a substitute should earn LAFC a fine. The World Cup winner was set to be brought on at half-time, but was left waiting on the sidelines without a shirt.
Rather than continuing the game without the 38-year-old, referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez opted to wait for Giroud to be ready, delaying the restart by several minutes. Chelsea star Noni Madueke, who was slammed for his performance in Atlanta, was one of the players seen complaining to the referee about the time it was taking to get the second half underway, but play still did not resume until Giroud was handed a jersey.
Not only did Hackett criticise Saez for his stance, but he also suggested that LAFC should be fined for delaying kick-off.
"The referee should not have delayed the restart of the game because a substitute was not ready to enter the field of play appropriately dressed," claimed the 80-year-old. "The referee needs to receive some operational advice on the importance of ensuring that the game kicks off at the appropriate time.
"The competition should issue a fine to the club for failing to have their team ready for the restart of the game. Poorly handled by the match officials."
Giroud is not the only high-profile player that people believe should be punished for their actions at the Club World Cup, as several fans have claimed that Lionel Messi should've been sent off during Inter Miami's 0-0 draw with Al-Ahly on Sunday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner appeared to headbutt one of the Al-Ahly defenders, but VAR opted not to intervene.
This has led to some suggesting that Messi receives special treatment, with many arguing that had it been another player in the same boat, the outcome would've been different.
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All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 17/06/2025.
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