Brighton v Ipswich: Ex-ref disgusted with officials over ‘horrendous’ Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro’s challenge on Christian Walton as Brighton beat Ipswich was so “horrendous” that Keith Hackett continues to be disgusted he stayed on the pitch.
With 54 minutes on the clock in the game at Portman Road on Thursday (16 January), the attacker found himself at the centre of controversy as he chased the ball into the Tractor Boys penalty area.
Although Walton was able to comfortably get to the ball ahead of Pedro, the Brazilian continued his run and collided into the Ipswich goalkeeper, who appeared to be hit full in his face by the striker’s shoulder.
Referee Tony Harrington only booked the Brighton man, a decision that was confirmed by VAR, and the visitors would go on to win 2-0.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Hackett previously told Football Insider that Pedro should have been sent off, and he has now reiterated that sentiment with further criticism of the officiating team.
Posting about the incident on X, the former referee said: “I shudder that with four officials covering this game, this horrendous challenge did not receive a sanction. This is Serious foul play (Red Card).”
Joao Pedro lucky not to see red for Brighton at Ipswich
Football Insider Verdict
It is hard to believe that Pedro was not shown a straight red card for this incident against Ipswich in midweek.
Walton had cleared the ball long before the Brighton man reached him, and so the striker had plenty of time to pull out of his challenge.
Obviously he did not do that, instead hitting Walton in the face with his shoulder in what looked an incredibly painful and dangerous moment for the goalkeeper.
As a result Pedro should surely have been sent off, and this is not the first time recently he has been involved in such a controversy.
The Brighton striker was perhaps also lucky not to be sent off for throwing an elbow against Brentford last month, and you wonder if referees will start to pay closer attention to him now.
Given this incident also happened when the game was still goalless, things could have gone very different for his side had they been forced to play the remainder of the game a man down.
In other news, West Ham are stepping up their pursuit of a Brighton player.
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