Keith Hackett sends Declan Rice warning after West Ham star incident in England win
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive West Ham United columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium.
Former FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett has sent a warning to West Ham star Declan Rice in a bid to protect him from hostile crowds that take events too far.
Rice, 23, scored England’s final goal in their 4-0 World Cup qualifier win over Hungary in Budapest last week.
He also courted headlines for his celebration during an earlier goal for England when he picked up a cup that had been thrown onto the pitch by the home fans [Goal Twitter].
There were allegations of racist chanting from sections of the Hungary crowd and England players appeared to be responding to that.
However, ex-Premier League referee Hackett, speaking to West Ham Zone, is concerned that retaliation may not be the best way forward regarding player safety.
He said: “For me, the big problem here is when do plastic cups turn into something else? An unsuspecting player can get hit.
“It’s not good [Rice drinking out of the cup v Hungary]. Whilst he’s almost saying ‘I’m not worried about it, it’s going straight through’, that might incite someone without a brain to actually start to throw something that says ‘now here, cop this’, so I don’t think that’s a good action.
“Players need to show a degree of responsibility but I do think the authorities have a duty of care to the players that the game takes place in a reasonable environment, and I think racial abuse and the throwing of objects is unacceptable.”
In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor predicts Irons ace exit after behind-the-scenes claim.
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