Ex-Fifa referee: ‘Technical glitch’ to blame for Chelsea controversy as ‘awful’ footage analysed
A “technical hitch” may be the reason it took so long to chalk off Wolves’ goal in their 0-0 draw with Chelsea yesterday (19 December).
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Daniel Podence’s goal that was ultimately disallowed because he was adjudged to have been offside.
The Wolves attacker met a low cross from Marcal before finishing past Edouard Mendy.
According to the Match of the Day 2 commentator, it took 24 seconds after the ball was in the back of the net for the assistant referee to raise his flag.
It appeared Raul Jimenez, who missed the ball with his attempted shot was offside before it fell to Podence.
“I can assume that they were having technical problems,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I don’t mind the delay if the outcome is the correct decision. Time is less precious than the right decision and they made the right decision.
“The outcome was right so I’m less concerned about the time. If the outcome was wrong I would have been worried about manipulation because it was an awful long time.
“Let me tell you, the assistant VAR on that was Simon Beck who is one of the most experienced assistant referees. That’s why I think it might have been a technical hitch.”
Chelsea put out a weakened side with just four outfield players on the bench for their trip to Molineux.
Thomas Tuchel told BBC Sport the game was “not safe” after the club tried to get the Premier League to postpone the fixture due to a covid outbreak in his squad.
In other news, there has been a big update on a Chelsea star signing for a bitter rival and a deal could be done in days.