PFA chief calls for netting

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has called for crowd control netting to protect players following trouble in Sunday's Manchester derby.

Last Updated: 11/12/12 at 00:20 Post Comment

Rio Ferdinand: Suffered a gash above his left eye after a coin was thrown from t

Rio Ferdinand: Suffered a gash above his left eye after a coin was thrown from t

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand was hit by a coin as he celebrated his side's late 3-2 win, while City goalkeeper Joe Hart had to step in to stop a man who ran onto the pitch towards the defender.

Taylor, speaking to Sky Sports News, said protective netting should now be a focus.

"It could have been a very serious injury to Rio Ferdinand so I think it's a real wake-up call to the football authorities, to the safety officers at grounds working with police and clubs, to try and prevent that happening," Taylor said.

"One option that's been talked about is netting in vulnerable areas: when a player's taking corners, behind the goal, or behind the managers' dugouts where the subsitutitions are.

"I think we've got to look at that seriously, so long as it doesn't affect vision, and of course nobody's talking about bringing fences back. Football is there to be enjoyed by the whole community."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Monday that nine people had been charged in connection with the unrest at the Etihad Stadium.

Among the charges faced are racially aggravated public order and pitch encroachment.

Police are still investigating the coin incident, which left Ferdinand with a bloodied face.

The incidents were condemned by both football clubs, as well as FA chairman David Bernstein.

"What's happened is totally unacceptable, deplorable," Bernstein told Sky Sports News.

"To see Rio Ferdinand with blood on his face is absolutely terrible. It's sad to see such a fantastic match followed by these headlines.

"It's disturbing that we're seeing a recurrence of these sorts of incidents. We've had some racial abuse incidents, pitch incursions, things being thrown at players.

"It's very unacceptable. It's for the FA, the whole game of football, the authorities to work together and deal with it in a most severe manner.

"It's a social problem. I think there's a copycat thing, so it's important to bring matters to a head. We will do everything we can to stop this blot on the game."

Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Premier League: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley offers £1m incentive for victory over Arsenal

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out £1m between the club's non-football staff if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Emotional Beckham says goodbye

David Beckham was in tears as he left the pitch after playing what could be the final game of his career as Paris Saint-Germain beat Brest 3-1.

Clichy signs new City deal

Manchester City have confirmed that Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved