Ex-PGMOL chief makes feelings clear over Wolves vs West Ham penalty controversy: ‘I’m surprised’
West Ham were unfortunate to concede a penalty against Wolves as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were dealt a huge blow at Molineux Stadium.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Peter Bankes acted too hastily during the Old Gold’s 3-0 win on Saturday, 3 January.
Mateus Mane was Wolves’ star man, scoring the third on the day, following efforts from Jhon Arias and Hwang Hee-Chan, all going unanswered by the Hammers in their first win of the campaign.
There were multiple controversial incidents, especially as Crysencio Summerville was bundled over in the penalty area by Yerson Mosquera, but it was the home side who took advantage from 12 yards.
Nuno Espirito Santo under major pressure after Wolves vs West Ham
Max Kilman was slaughtered by West Ham fans, and it was his mistake which forced Soungoutou Magassa into bringing Mane down, though there has been plenty of debate around it.
After the Hammers were denied a penalty at the other end, some were stunned to see Bankes point to the spot for Magassa’s light challenge on Wolves’ No.36.
Despite missing his last penalty against the Irons in the Carabao Cup, Hwang was on hand to convert the penalty and add further pressure to Nuno’s job at the London Stadium.
While it is unlikely to have had much impact on the result, Hackett was unsure of the awarding of the penalty, suggesting that it was a “really soft” decision at Molineux.
Keith Hackett uncertain over Peter Bankes’ major decision
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “I didn’t think it was a penalty. I thought it was too soft. If I were to award a penalty kick, I wanted to be 100 per cent [certain].
“If it wasn’t, and from the heart, they weren’t getting one. I thought it was really soft, and I’m surprised it was given.”
Instead of claiming all three points in a must-win, Nuno remains under crushing pressure in East London, and now faces a massive game against his former side, Nottingham Forest, on Tuesday, 6 January.