Ex-Fifa official reacts to unprecedented Steven Gerrard development in Aston Villa controversy
Keith Hackett has praised the officials for admitting to Steven Gerrard their mistake as Aston Villa drew 1-1 with Man City on Saturday (3 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee admitted it is not often that officials hold their hands up straight after the game.
Philippe Coutinho thought he had put his side 2-1 up towards the end of the game at Villa Park after he beat Ederson with a long-range strike.
However, the assistant referee had his flag up and referee Simon Hooper blew his whistle just before Coutinho’s shot.
After replays, it was clear the 30-year-old was onside and the goal should not have been ruled out.
Under the official guidance, the assistant should have only waved for offside when the move had finished so VAR could have the final say.
As quoted by the Mirror after the game, Gerrard revealed Hooper had apologised for the decision.
“I think a degree of honesty is OK,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“30 minutes after the game somebody cannot defend the indefensible. Don’t try and defend it, hold your hands up but how often does that happen?
“The whole remit, the whole reason we set up professional refereeing was to improve the standard of officiating.”
Coutinho has not scored for Aston Villa this season after converting his loan move from Barcelona into a permanent deal.
The Brazil international has only started one of their last four Premier League games after starting the opening two fixtures.
In other news, Aston Villa could appoint Mauricio Pochettino after a source’s sack reveal.