Ex-FIFA ref: Star wrongfully sent off as Dominik Szoboszlai caught up in Hungary teammate controversy
Harm Osmers felt forced to send Roland Sallai off for his challenge on Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Hungary international’s foul was only deserving of a yellow card during the 2-2 draw against Ireland on Saturday, 6 September.
Adam Idah signed for Swansea City on transfer deadline day, and it was the 24-year-old who scored the all-important goal to drag his team level in the third minute of injury time against 10 men.
Hungary had taken a two-goal lead through Barnabas Varga and Sallai before the latter was sent off for a late challenge in the 52nd minute, and that decision appeared to have a massive impact on proceedings.
Roland Sallai’s foul on Dara O’Shea only deserved a yellow card
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai was hugely involved in the clash, but the midfielder was ultimately left disappointed after Ireland managed to score a late equaliser after Evan Ferguson grabbed one back.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side halved the deficit just three minutes after Sallai’s sending off, with Idah scoring the equaliser three minutes into the six minutes of added time in dramatic fashion.
Despite referee Osmers appearing incredibly sure over the decision, Hackett believes he awarded the red card to save his own profile while being watched by an assessor in the stands.
Referee accused of protecting himself with red card in Ireland vs Hungary
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said: “I think that’s a bit harsh. It’s leaning more towards reckless than it is serious foul play.
“This is the vision of the referee, but I’d have been happy with a yellow card. I know he’s late, but there’s not enough force in it. It should have been left at that.
“It was reckless, so a yellow card should have been awarded. Football is a contact sport. He does come in, and he does catch the player, but he’s not that late.
“It’s a harsh decision, but the referee is protecting himself. He’s got an assessor in the stands, which is why he went for the red card. I’d have gone for a yellow card.”