‘Cannot ignore it’ – Ex-FIFA ref slams Kavanagh over Wharton incident v Liverpool
Adam Wharton was fortunate to go unpunished following the Crystal Palace star’s “reckless” challenge on Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while many fans were calling for a red card over the incident, a yellow card would have sufficed for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Oliver Glasner‘s side were victorious at Wembley Stadium once again, lifting yet another trophy on Sunday, 10 August, after beating Man City in the FA Cup final just three months prior.
Palace’s exit-linked Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised from the penalty spot following Hugo Ekitike’s outrageous opener for Arne Slot’s side, with Frimpong netting with an audacious lob shortly after.
Liverpool frustrated by Chris Kavanagh’s decisions
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Ismaila Sarr could have seen his late equaliser ruled out due to a foul on Cody Gakpo in the build-up, but with referee Chris Kavanagh allowing the goal to stand, the Eagles were forced to win via penalties.
Following the game, however, an image of Wharton’s high tackle on Frimpong began to circulate, with many questioning how the England international remained on the pitch due to the incident.
In addition to that, VAR did not get involved, not telling Kavanagh to take another look, leading to some fans suggesting that the challenge had been overlooked by the officials at Wembley Stadium.
With just four yellow cards in his last two Premier League campaigns, Wharton is hardly a vicious player on the pitch, but having caught the Liverpool player with a follow-through, Hackett expected a reaction.
VAR not involved as Crystal Palace star only deserved yellow
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Wharton’s challenge, the former referee said: “For me, I think it’s a reckless challenge, but I don’t think there’s excessive force. Therefore, it should have been a yellow card, and VAR cannot come in on that.
“But to actually give nothing was not an option. These are ones where VAR ought to open its door a little to say, ‘Look, referee, re-referee this one. Have another look’. Of course, they don’t.
“If the VAR doesn’t think it’s a red, they’re not allowed to come in and advise the referee. Given that shot, while many people are saying it should have been a sending off, I’d have been happy with a yellow.
“You cannot give nothing for that challenge, though. You cannot ignore it. This is down to the referee not being in a good position to judge the incident.”