Ex-Fifa official has ‘big’ concerns as Liverpool given ‘lazy’ referee
Keith Hackett has admitted he has major concerns after Craig Pawson was confirmed as the referee for the FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea next month (14 May).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee who was in charge of the 100th FA Cup final in 1981 claimed Pawson is a “lazy” official who is overreliant on VAR.
The FA confirmed last week (21 April) the 43-year-old will oversee this year’s final and will be assisted by Dan Cook and Edward Smart while Paul Tierney will be the VAR operator.
Pawson hit the headlines this weekend for his performance in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Man United.
He denied United two penalties for a challenge on Anthony Elanga and alleged handball by Cedric Soares as well as letting Bruno Fernandes get away with a stamp on Nuno Tavares towards the end of the game.
“I compliment him on the fact that he’s been given the FA Cup final but he’s got to start making the big calls himself, not relying on VAR,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He comes under the category of a lazy referee who is overreliant on VAR when he steps out to the middle.
“Ultimately at the end of the day, he’s been consistent out the season. He’ll go into the FA Cup final with confidence.
“I just feel this is a referee who is not fulfilling his ability. Yes, he’s been awarded the FA Cup final but is that on performance or default? Let’s be kind and say it’s on performance.
“He’s got to referee a bit better than he is at the moment.”
In other news, a finance guru has revealed Liverpool are set to match a £235m Man United deal as new talks are revealed.