Following Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee's unpunished celebration involving an inappropriate gesture towards fans during a match against Southampton, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has fiercely criticized the Football Association's decision. Hackett argues that the lack of sanction sends a detrimental message to players at all levels and fails to protect younger spectators. He emphasizes the potential dangers of such provocative behavior, urging the FA to take a stronger stance against actions that incite fans.
After Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee escaped punishment for his part in goal celebrations against Southampton on Thursday night, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has lashed out at Football Association decision-makers. Zirkzee was brought into the action shortly after the half-time whistle, and, full of confidence after his FA Cup third round-winning penalty kick, he produced another fine display at Old Trafford.
His name was kept from the headlines only by an Amad hat-trick to turn the tide in United's favour late on. The manner of the victory, plus it being the third consecutive unbeaten match for Ruben Amorim's side, ensured wild celebrations would follow. Joining in, Zirkzee ran over to join Amad and his teammates, jumped into the air to unleash a fist pump before turning to home supporters holding his crotch. This type of behaviour has faced scrutiny in the past, such as when Jude Bellingham performed the same action during Euro 2024 last summer. Hackett called for the FA to throw the book at Zirkzee in this instance. 'Doing this in front of the supporters will certainly result in a fine and a strong possibility of a minimum three-match ban. The FA have to take into account that actions of this nature incite the fans and can easily create fans surging forward and potential crushing injuries. A young man who will not doubt receive some operational advice from his club and management,' he explained. Yet, a subsequent FA statement read: 'As guidance, we have issued Joshua Zirkzee with a reminder of his responsibilities, and he will face no further action.' Reacting to the verdict, Hackett exploded with anger. He told Football Insider: 'Once again the Football Association deliver the wrong message to football players across the country. 'Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee’s very crude celebration which frankly was totally unacceptable is NOT going to receive a sanction. Players at grassroots level have a habit of copying what they see Premier League players do. 'So when it happens at grassroots level having seen no sanction issued by The FA please advise referees if they sanction or ignore. Come on, you are the gatekeepers of the game and youngsters attending matches should be protected.
Football Association PGMOL Joshua Zirkzee Manchester United Celebration Controversy Sanctions Keith Hackett Fan Conduct
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