Brighton news: Ex-Fifa official savages Lee Mason as Danny Welbeck controversy re-analysed – ‘he’s the worst’
Keith Hackett has insisted Brighton should have been awarded a “nailed-on penalty kick” during their 2-2 draw with Leicester on Saturday (21 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee slammed “serial offender” and “worst VAR official” Lee Mason for his failure to intervene using the technology.
As seen in footage from the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel (21 January), Welbeck was denied a spot-kick after he looked to be fouled by Leicester defender Luke Thomas.
VAR official Lee Mason checked the incident and found no clear and obvious error.
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi was booked for his protests, and claimed post-match that referee Bramall had a “very bad day”.
The Seagulls rescued a point two minutes from time with a brilliant header from young striker Evan Ferguson.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It was a nailed-on penalty kick.
“I can understand why the referee didn’t give it. Bodies were in the way, he didn’t have the best view.
“Thomas Bramall is a good referee, but this was a clear one for VAR.
“Lee Mason is a serial offender. Is he good enough for the job? He wasn’t the best referee, and he’s proving to be the worst VAR official.
“I like ex-referees in that role, but it’s not a job for the boys. There’s a level of accountability that has to be upheld.
“You can’t allow him to get away with not giving that penalty kick.”
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