Darren England given ‘decision to make’ as ‘petulant’ Adam Wharton footage re-analysed vs Chelsea
Adam Wharton only has himself to blame after being given his marching orders against Chelsea at Selhurst Park.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Darren England had a decision to make when sending the player off on Sunday, 25 January.
Hackett has previously been critical of England, most recently during the goalless draw between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, as Ola Aina escaped a handball in the penalty area.
This time, not only did he send Wharton off for two bookable offences, but he also missed Pedro Neto stamping on Ismaila Sarr, which could still be punished by the FA retrospectively.
Adam Wharton punished twice for fouls on Moises Caicedo
With the Eagles three goals down after Jaydeen Canvot was punished for handball, and Enzo Fernandez slotted home from the spot, things went from bad to worse for Oliver Glasner.
Palace’s No.20 went into the referee’s notebook in the 67th minute after bringing down Moises Caicedo, only to be given his second five minutes later, flying into a challenge on the same player.
There appeared to be very little contact from the England international, so many supporters were left baffled by the decision at Selhurst Park.
While Hackett shared some of the frustrations, he also felt that the referee was forced to make a decision, one which, ultimately, completely ruled the Eagles out of the game for the final 20 minutes.
Darren England was forced to make a decision at Selhurst Park
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “The player is on the ground, he does a sweep with his foot, and makes contact. That’s giving the referee a decision to make.
“In law, you can’t criticise that. When I was the PGMOL boss, I would tell referees that, with a second yellow, I’d like it to be orange – absolutely nailed-on.
“It didn’t have an element of doubt, but it’s a bit petulant. Just let the fans enjoy 11 versus 11.”
The 21-year-old will now be suspended for Palace’s clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 1 February, which could be important as Glasner’s side slip closer to the relegation zone.