Aston Villa news: Ex-Fifa official issues one-word verdict on possible Danny Ings penalty after analysing controversial footage
Keith Hackett has insisted Aston Villa did not deserve a penalty for Samir’s challenge on Danny Ings in their 1-0 loss to Watford on Saturday (19 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Ings was being “very clever” with his movement but was not fouled.
In the opening stages of the game, the Villa striker was bearing down on goal but was denied the opportunity to shoot by Sahir.
Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports after the game, via Birmingham Live, that he thought it was a penalty and the fourth official had confirmed a foul would have been given if it was outside the box.
The Villa boss also admitted he was clutching at straws and could not blame his side defeat on the penalty call.
Watford were able to secure their first win under Roy Hodgson thanks to an Emmanuel Denis goal as Villa’s winless run stretched to three.
Asked whether Aston Villa should have been awarded a penalty after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley, Hackett said: “No.“
He added: “Paul Tierney was the VAR so he had a busy weekend.
“But yes, I’m going with the decision that was made – not a penalty.
“Ings is a very clever player but I’m not sold on it.”
Ings has scored just four times in 18 Premier League games for Aston Villa since his summer move from Southampton.
The loss to Watford at Villa Park was his first start since the 2-2 draw with Man United last month (15 January).
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