Ex-FIFA official slams referee as Luton v Huddersfield controversy analysed – ‘miles off’
Luton town should have had a penalty in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Huddersfield (13 May).
That’s according to ex-FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial moment.
Naby Sarr hauled down Cameron Jerome as the striker burst through on goal in the second half of the game.
The challenge sparked a furious reaction from Nathan Jones and the Kenilworth Road crowd but referee Rob Jones did not point to the spot.
Hackett insists it was a “nailed-on” penalty for Luton and expressed his frustration at Jones’ performance.
“I thought this was a nailed-on penalty kick,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley while analysing replays of the incident.
“The referee is miles behind play. At the end of the day, when you look at the performance recently of that referee, that’s a foul.
“It’s not the denial of a goalscoring opportunity if you take the striker’s position into account.
“I’m sorry to say this referee is one who, how he is a Premier League ref is beyond me.
“I think the reason he didn’t give it was because he was miles off the play.
“He’s a Premier League ref so maybe he was waiting for VAR.”
Huddersfield progressed to the Championship play-off final after a 1-0 win in Monday’s (16 May) second leg.
They will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley after they beat Sheffield United on penalties Tuesday (17 May).
In other news, our sources have told us ex-Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton is the top contender to be the new Salford City manager.