Christian Kabasele: Ex-Premier League referee issues ‘100 per cent’ verdict on Southampton controversy
Southampton should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-1 loss to Watford on Sunday.
That is according to ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial late incident at St. Mary’s.
As shown on BBC’s Match of the Day 2 (13 March), Southampton appealed for a penalty when Jan Bednarek’s header struck Christian Kabasele on the arm.
However, referee Graham Scott did not view the incident as a handball and VAR official Peter Bankes decided against intervening.
As quoted by Hampshire Live (13 March), Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl refused to be drawn on the game’s officiating.
When asked for his assessment of the incident, Hackett told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “It was a handball, 100 per cent.
“Watford got away with it, it is as simple as that.
“I do not blame the referee for this one as the penalty area is crowded. This is where you would expect VAR to come in and speak to the referee.
“I think they are confused though because of this clear and obvious error. In all honesty, I think some of the guys are using ‘clear and obvious error’ as an excuse.
“How is that penalty not clear and obvious? To us spectators sat in an armchair it was clear and obvious.
“You will never get utopia and satisfaction from referees’ performances but we need personal accountability.”
In other news, an ex-Fifa official has claimed a Brighton star should get an extended ban as ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool footage analysed.