Gordon Taylor today called for protective netting to be used at grounds to prevent fans striking players with missiles thrown from the stands.
Rio Ferdinand was hit close to his eye by a coin launched from a section of Manchester City fans as he celebrated United’s winning goal. Wayne Rooney was also targeted.
There have been a number of similar incidents in recent seasons and Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, believes action must be taken now. He told BBC Radio Five Live: “You’ve got to give consideration to possibly some netting in vulnerable areas, be it behind the goals and round the corner flags.”
Clubs are free to install netting, as long as it is ratified by the local safety authority. The Football Association also have the right to impose this upon a club as part of a disciplinary hearing.
Joe Hart prevented a fan from reaching Ferdinand after running on to the pitch and Ashley Young believes his club-mate was in danger at that moment. He said: “If the pitch hadn’t been so wet when the fan came on and he slipped over, he could have attacked Rio.”
