Ex-PGMOL chief makes his feelings clear over Marco Bizot red card vs Newcastle United
Chris Kavanagh had no other choice but to send off Marco Bizot for serious foul play during Aston Villa’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the on-rushing goalkeeper used a “degree of malice” in his foul on Saturday, 14 February.
Unai Emery‘s side had taken the lead through Tammy Abraham, but just before the half-time whistle, Bizot came charging out of his area, scything Jacob Murphy down near the halfway line.
While some believed that there were covering players behind the shot-stopper, Kavanagh dished out a straight red card, and with no VAR in operation, there were no second chances for the No.40.
Despite being rested for the game, Emi Martinez was called upon to fill the spot, and amongst the fan fury, Hackett has given a definitive verdict on the controversial moment.
Chris Kavanagh backed in sending off Marco Bizot
Whether the decision was made for DOGSO (Denial of a Goalscoring Opportunity) or, as Hackett outlines, a “degree of malice” in the challenge, there was very little arguing with the referee.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The challenge by the Aston Villa goalkeeper, charging out of his goal and bringing his opponent to the ground, was judged by Chris Kavanagh as serious foul play.
“Therefore, it’s a straight red card. Bizot’s challenge was with excessive force and endangered the safety of his opponent. It was committed with a degree of malice and, therefore, I support the referee’s decision.”
There were several contentious moments during the game, like Lucas Digne not being sent off for a rash challenge in the first half, but this was by far the clearest of them all at Villa Park.
Danny Murphy was left baffled by Aston Villa’s goalkeeper
Many at Villa Park wanted Bizot to remain on the pitch, with just a yellow card being shown, but that was never going to happen after his venture out of the penalty area.
Reacting to the incident [BBC Sport], Danny Murphy said: “I don’t know what Bizot is thinking. Ridiculous decision from the goalkeeper. He has done it, obviously thinking he is going to get a yellow.
“I think it is the maliciousness that he has been sent off for,” and that is exactly what Hackett thought about the incident, with his recklessness being focused on more than where the challenge took place.
Martinez remains Villa’s No.1 choice under Emery, but with Sandro Tonali stepping up with two brilliant goals, even the Argentine could do nothing to stop Newcastle’s onslaught.