Ex-PGMOL chief: Burton Albion ‘robbed’ by West Ham as Konstantinos Mavropanos controversy re-analysed
Konstantinos Mavropanos should have been punished for a blatant push on Jake Beesley in the West Ham penalty area.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the League One side were “robbed” by a poor decision from referee Lewis Smith.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been under significant pressure since being appointed at West Ham, and the FA Cup fourth round was the perfect chance for a distraction at the Pirelli Stadium.
However, with the Hammers requiring an extra-time winner from Crysencio Summerville, protests against the board were louder than ever, and it could have been even worse for the Premier League strugglers.
After just 10 minutes, Mavropanos had given the referee a decision to make, barging Burton‘s No.9 over in the box, but with no VAR, the penalty incident could not be reviewed, and the Brewers’ calls fell on deaf ears.
Burton Albion ‘robbed’ by incorrect penalty decision vs West Ham
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think they’re confused. They must be. There’s confusion on the part of referees when it comes to pushing offences.
“There’s an inconsistency and acceptability that this wasn’t a push, but it was. We all know it’s a push. School kids can see it’s a push.
“Every game, whether you’re in the local park or on the international stage, is important. The FA Cup is a special tournament and is also a massive revenue stream.
“In the case of Burton Albion, this was massive. They deserve better. The manager didn’t even mention it, thinking he’d be in trouble and couldn’t afford the fine.
“So, I’ll say it on his behalf. Burton Albion were robbed by a very, very poor decision by the referee not to award a penalty for a pushing offence. Why didn’t he get that one right?”
When will West Ham discover their FA Cup fifth-round opponents?
Despite the controversial incident, the Hammers made it through to the next round in 120 minutes, reaching this stage of the tournament for the first time in three seasons.
The likes of Leeds United, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Man City all advanced to the fifth round, and Nuno’s side will discover their next opponents 6:35pm on Monday, 16 February.
Then, the penultimate game of the fourth round – Macclesfield versus Brentford – will kick off, and it is possible that they come up one of them in the fifth round.
Supporters have mixed feelings about advancing in the competition, with the Hammers in a huge relegation battle this season, and Nuno under crushing pressure to turn things around.
To read more expert analysis on West Ham and Nuno Espirito Santo’s future, head to West Ham Zone for all the latest