Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to Joachim Andersen controversy in Burnley vs Fulham – ‘No doubt’
Joachim Andersen was at no risk of being sent off after clashing with Burnley’s Armando Broja after Fulham at Turf Moor.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Michael Oliver was spot-on not to punish the defender with a second yellow card on Saturday, 13 December.
Marco Silva is under pressure at Fulham, with the Cottagers just seven points above the Premier League dropzone, but a rare victory away from home could be key to his survival in West London.
Unsurprisingly, there were shouts for a red card when Andersen‘s elbow made contact with Broja‘s face in the 60th minute, with the two striking up a tough battle during the 90 minutes.
Despite clear contact in replays, the referee never looked like taking further action than a free-kick, and Hackett believes that the right decision was reached by Oliver.
Michael Oliver right not to send off Joachim Andersen
Referee Oliver has been blasted already this season, as Howard Webb‘s most experienced official, but the former head of the PGMOL has rightly praised him for the decision.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “Football is a contact sport, and there is no doubt that there is a coming-together. However, I do not see any backward movement of Andersen’s arm or elbow and judge no offence.”
It was far from plain sailing for the visitors, with Burnley scoring twice after goals from Emile Smith Rowe, Calvin Bassey, and Harry Wilson, but they secured all three points on the road, nonetheless.
Wilson had been linked with a Fulham exit, but with three goals and three assists in his last four games, there appears to be absolutely no chance that he leaves in January now.
Harry Wilson is quickly becoming Marco Silva’s most important player
In 17 appearances, the Welshman now has five goals and three assists, topping the Cottagers’ list for goal contributions in the Premier League. Samuel Chukwueze comes the closest with six.
Leeds United had attempted to sign Wilson during the summer transfer window, and Daniel Farke’s side likely deeply regret not pushing harder for his signature before the 2025-26 campaign.
Silva’s side have moved up to 13th in the Premier League table, certainly relaxing relegation fears, but with 22 games left to play, anything could still happen.