Ex-Fifa official: Newcastle have made major error as refereeing controversy takes new twist
Newcastle United have every right to complain about refereeing standards but should have done it in private, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed the official response will be defensive if the debate is had in public.
As quoted by Sky Sports last week (23 December), Eddie Howe confirmed the club had written to the authorities about concerns with recent decisions.
They were unhappy with Leicester City’s opening goal in their 4-0 win (12 December), Liverpool’s equaliser goal in their 3-1 victory (16 December) and the decision not to award them a penalty in the 4-0 defeat to Man City (19 December).
It took another twist last night (27 December) with many Newcastle fans feeling Cristiano Ronaldo should have been sent off for a challenge on Ryan Fraser.
“Newcastle United have every right to lodge a complaint,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It might have been better to do it through the appropriate channels rather than in the public domain. Going public tends to promote a defensive reaction from the Premier League, the FA and the PGMOL because they need to be seen to be supporting referees and not publicly haranguing them.
“My view is, the other side is that in the past as the boss of the PGMOL when I’ve seen decisions go against a club like they have with Newcastle, let’s make no mistake they’ve had a high number of poor decisions, then invariably I got in my car to discuss it with the manager and have a debate.
“Do you actually say ‘We’re wrong’? The answer is you have to explore and discuss why these decisions are wrong.
“Everybody goes defensive in public rather than having a transparent discussion.
“Ultimately, the first line is to admit these are errors. If they don’t believe they are errors then justify why not.
“But I feel Newcastle United have got a very strong case. The club are concerned and the supporters are very concerned.
“I cannot support the PGMOL not discussing these incidents with clubs. You are not a whipping boy in doing that.”
In other news, there has been a big update on Newcastle United signing a Spurs star after two sources update.