Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom must ensure that he does not repeat the harsh or disrespectful language that has brought him in trouble with the EFL.
That is according to Keith Hackett, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, who exclusively told Football Insider that the North End manager must tread carefully after receiving a lengthy three-match touchline ban for an incident at Watford last month.
Heckingbottom’s side has impressed this season, with 32 points from 20 league games to date, and they currently sit fifth in the Championship table.
Preston have only lost once in their last nine games, and they hope to secure their position in the top six with a win at struggling Oxford United on Saturday (13 December).
They will have to face the game without Heckingbottom in command, as well as meetings against Norwich City and Stoke City, after the EFL issued him a touchline ban on Friday (12 December).
Heckingbottom receives three-match ban for pre-match Watford altercation with referee.
Heckingbottom has a recent history of EFL sanctions, having had a two-match suspension in February for an incident against Watford and another in May for being sent off against Hull City.
Despite the Lilywhites’ improved form this season, his behaviour appears to have not altered, and the 48-year-old has now been given a three-match suspension, returning to the dugout on December 29.
It was alleged that Heckingbottom “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official” in a pre-match briefing before Preston’s November match against the Hornets.
They were held to a draw at Vicarage Road that day, with Mamadou Doumbia cancelling out Daniel Jebbison’s opening, and it is now up to deputy manager Stuart McCall to step up and take the reins until Preston face Wrexham just before the turn of the year.
Hackett advises Heckingbottom to’refrain’ from foul language following tough penalty.
Heckingbottom is a chronic offender in this regard, thus it is unsurprising that the EFL would make an example of him, given that this is his third sentence in 2025.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett warned the Lilywhites leader to halt such actions or face even harsher punishments in the future.
“According to the statement, the manager’s pre-match comments were the reason for the ban and fine, which appear to be at the upper end of the scale.
“I hope that this manager, who does wear his heart on his sleeve, will refrain from making comments in the future.”
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