Pep Guardiola, Man City Wydad Casablanca
(Credit: Getty Images / Zach Lowy on X)
Keith Hackett
Wed 18 June 2025 19:44, UK
Keith Hackett has called for the introduction of “airport security” and lifetime bans to combat safety threats after Man City’s match against Wydad Casablanca suffered delays.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider flares and firecrackers present a “health risk” for both fans and players.
City breezed to a 2-0 win over Wydad in their maiden game of the revamped Club World Cup (CWC).
Phil Foden opened the scoring in the second minute, breaking the record for the earliest goal scored at the tournament, before Jeremy Doku doubled the Premier League side’s lead.
Wydad brought with them a large contingent of travelling fans who added energy from the stands, despite the match itself being a rather tepid affair.
But their decision to let off flares and throw firecrackers onto the pitch has been condemned by Hackett.
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Wydad Casablanca fans cause delay with flares
With just a few minutes remaining and Wydad looking unlikely to break through City‘s staunch defence, flares were set off in the crowd.
Billowing clouds of smoke and the pop of firecrackers caused referee Ramon Abatti to halt proceedings, before deeming the pyrotechnics a non-issue, and continuing play.
Flares have become a common occurrence in football, and Hackett previously told Football Insider fans deserved a lifetime ban, after Aberdeen and Celtic’s Scottish Cup final was delayed.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson
Ederson’s goal was covered by a cloud of smoke. (Credit: Getty Images)
Keith Hackett addresses ‘growing problem’ with pyrotechnics
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett was damning in his view of flares being set off in matches.
The ex-referee called for “airport security access systems” to stop pyrotechnics being brought into the stadiums, and once again reiterated the need for fans who used them to be given “lifetime bans”.
Hackett said: “There is no doubt that these flares are a growing problem in the game; they present a safety and a health risk for both fans and players.
“The referee acted correctly and will include the stoppage and reasons in his post-match report.
“Football is going to have to clearly consider airport security access systems so that these flares are prevented from entering the Stadium.
“Those that light and throw the flares should receive a lifetime ban.”
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