Ex-Premier League referee baffled by major Kai Havertz blunder as Chelsea controversy analysed
Keith Hackett has insisted referee Robert Jones should not have needed VAR intervention to spot the blatant handball from Chelsea star Kai Havertz during their 4-0 mauling at the hands of Man City on Sunday (8 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee called on new PGMOL chief Howard Webb to stamp out “lazy refereeing” and an “over-reliance” on VAR.
As seen in footage posted by the BBC Sport Twitter account (8 January), Havertz handled the ball away from the head of Aymeric Laporte – who looked certain to have an effort on Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goal.
The incident was initially missed by Jones, who had an excellent view of the incident – but a penalty was awarded after a lengthy wait for a VAR review.
Havertz avoided a booking for the offence despite the deliberate nature of the handball – which was immediately spotted by BBC commentators.
Chelsea went on to lose 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, meaning they have won just one of their last 11 domestic fixtures.
Hackett also insisted Havertz should have been cautioned for the act of “unsporting behaviour”.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think the referee should have required VAR to see this.
“What was interesting was Jermaine Jenas instinctively called it straight away on the commentary. He was quicker than the referee.
“The referee should have a better view than anyone.
“This is what Howard Webb has got to address, this lazy refereeing and an over-reliance on VAR.
“It’s an act of unsporting behaviour, too, so it deserved a yellow card.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire lambasts broken Chelsea promises amid new £3.3bn leak.