Gianni Infantino, Pep Guardiola
Credit: Imago
Keith Hackett
Wed 2 July 2025 12:00, UK
Pep Guardiola’s actions during a shock defeat for Man City at the Club World Cup have sparked calls for worldwide law changes.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that he would like to see managers’ abilities to confront match officials restricted right after the final whistle.
During City’s surprise loss to Al-Hilal in the early hours of Tuesday, 1 July, the Catalan was extremely unhappy with referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez, making his feelings known before extra time.
Jeremy Doku was scythed down by Kaio just seconds before full time, with the score tied at 2-2, and instead of giving the foul and a yellow card, the referee blew the whistle to make the end of 90 minutes.
Man City suffer shock knockout at the Club World Cup
Erling Haaland had pulled his side back into the game, with the Norwegian’s effort and Bernardo Silva’s opener sandwiching Al-Hilal’s goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom in normal time.
Anything could have happened with City’s final set-piece, but after goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Leonardo again, Phil Foden, who has been tipped to join Arsenal, could only score a consolation goal.
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After such a frustrating game for the Premier League giants, emotions were running high, much like Arne Slot after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton last season, with his actions being punished.
The Dutchman received a two-game ban and a £70,000 fine, but with managers still able to run straight onto the pitch and confront the match officials, there is nothing stopping them from doing so.
Therefore, Hackett believes that a worldwide ban should be installed for managers going onto the field of play, hoping to fix multiple problems as football continues to develop as a sport.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola was enraged during Man City’s defeat to Al-Hilal. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Keith Hacketts wants more protection for referees globally
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I would like to see a ban on managers entering the field of play to confront match officials.
“They can do this on the Premier League thirty minutes after the final whistle to seek clarification. Perhaps FIFA should apply a similar criterion.”
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett wants further protection for referees.
Man City head back to England following disappointment, while Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea side carries the torch for the Premier League sides, next facing Palmeiras on Saturday, 5 July.
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