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AFC Bournemouth news: Ex-Fifa official hits back at Scott Parker after 'criminal' reveal
Emil Riis’ winner for Preston North End in their 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday (5 March) should not have stood, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed there was a foul on Philip Billing in the build up but even if VAR was in operation it would not have intervened.
Biling attempted to play the ball forward but was taken down by Alan Browne after he had played his pass, as shown on the highlights posted to the Preston YouTube channel.
Jamal Lowe failed to control the pass and Preston broke up the other end and Riis finished the move with a trademark finish.
As quoted by the Daily Mirror after the game, Scott Parker, who was sent off for protesting the decision, claimed it was “criminal” that the goal stood.
“One of the things we see here is, a referee should hold his gaze,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“By that, you have one eye on the parties involved when the ball is cleared.
“A foul has taken place and he’s missed it by a mile because he’s not looking. He’s concentrating on the ball that’s been cleared up-field.
“It’s just like players miss open goals. I don’t think it’s criminal. A referee is human and make errors.
“On this one, the incident is late and takes place behind his back. He hasn’t got eyes in the back of his head so as a result he’s missed it.
“In terms of operational advice, we use the phrase ‘Hold your gaze’. If he’d had done that he would have detected it but he didn’t.
“He’s trying to recover his position for the breakaway. This is no different to a player making the wrong pass, is that criminal?
“Could he have had some help from his colleagues? Maybe. Would VAR have come in? Doubtful because of the length of time from the incident to the goal.
“I think his comments are harsh on the referee. There’s an error, I agree with him on that it’s hardly criminal.
“It’s cost him points and I understand that but referees are human and make mistakes.”
In other news, Sirki Dembele’s agent has revealed the real reason for snubbing rivals to join AFC Bournemouth.