Crystal Palace Man City
(Credit: BBC Sport)
Keith Hackett
Sat 17 May 2025 19:13, UK
Keith Hackett is expecting both Man City and Crystal Palace to be punished following a clash between the backroom staff from the two clubs during the FA Cup final.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the incident will not have gone unnoticed among the numerous executives in attendance at Wembley.
Crystal Palace made history with a 1-0 win over Man City in that final, to win the club’s first ever piece of major silverware.
Ebere Eze‘s goal 16 minutes into the game was enough to secure that title for the Eagles, leading to jubilant celebrations at full time.
Even so, this was a match that was not short on controversy, and not just with regards to the players out on the pitch.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner has worked wonders with Crystal Palace (Credit: Imago)
Man City and Crystal Palace staff clash
As Man City went in search of an equaliser, they were left frustrated by the resilience of the Crystal Palace defence, which seemingly began to boil over.
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After Oliver Glasner‘s side saw a second goal from Daniel Munoz ruled out for offside just before the hour-mark, they were forced into a substitution.
Marc Guehi was taken off after suffering a knock to the head, which had led to him being treated on the pitch.
Marc Guehi vs Man City Total (SofaScore)
Minutes Played 61
Accurate Passes 6/8
Clearances 4
Tackles 1
Duels Won 2/6
As that change was made, Crystal Palace assistant manager Paddy McCarthy and Man City head of sports medicine Max Sala were seen squaring up on the touchline as tensions seemingly boiled over.
Others including Pep Guardiola were then forced to intervene in order to clams things down between the two benches, though Hackett does not believe that will be enough to save the two teams from sanctions.
Keith Hackett reacts to FA Cup face-off
After being asked by Football Insider if the two clubs could face punishment for the clash between their members of staff, Hackett said:
“I have no doubt with all the FA execs in place the offending staff will be sanctioned by The FA for this public altercation.”
Given they have just ended such a long and hard wait for a trophy after previous heartbreak, those sanctions are unlikely to be something that will worry Crystal Palace any time soon.
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