Keith Hackett: Omer Riza must urgently call LMA after Cardiff v Swansea eruption

Keith Hackett: Omer Riza must urgently call LMA after Cardiff v Swansea eruption

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza should urgently put in a call to the League Managers Association (LMA) as he faces hefty punishment in the fallout from beating Swansea, Keith Hackett has said.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official stated that Riza’s behaviour warranted a red card and that it was “correctly issued” after he exploded with fury in a late clash with Goncalo Franco with the game already won.

On the pitch, Callum Robinson marked his return from a three-match ban with a brace, while Dimitrios Goutas added a third to seal the win.

Riza attended the match, despite a few days prior announcing that his father has passed away [BBC Sport]. It’s also his first derby win as manager.

The win extends Cardiff’s unbeaten streak to six games and moves them within a point of climbing out of the relegation zone.

Cardiff City can ride on momentum ahead of potential relegation battle

Despite the victory, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett criticised Riza’s actions towards the end of the game, which resulted in his dismissal.

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In the final moments of the match, Swansea midfielder Franco bumped into Riza while retrieving the ball for a throw-in, leading to a heated exchange.

Photo Credit: Imago

The Cardiff boss reacted furiously, stepping onto the pitch to confront Franco, which prompted several players to intervene and separate the two. The referee subsequently issued Riza a red card for his conduct.

Hackett condemned Riza’s reaction, stating that the Cardiff manager “lost it big time” and will likely need assistance from LMA to “defend his actions”. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said:

“Omer Rizwan lost it big time and his red card was correctly issued by the match referee.

“He will face a touchline ban and hefty fine.

“I suggest that the first opportunity he has he needs to be on the phone to the League Managers Association where he will receive some advice on how to defend his actions.”

The club have been in brilliant form, including a victory over Sheffield United, despite not being awarded a penalty they should have received.

They’ll now focus on a tough match against Millwall at The Den on Tuesday (21 January), where they hope to extend this impressive run.

In other news, Cardiff are battling Preston North End to sign an Irish teenage star.

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