Ex-Premier League referee: Bournemouth victims of ‘clear’ injustice as Ryan Christie footage analysed
Keith Hackett has insisted Bournemouth should have been awarded a “clear” penalty for Pervis Estupinan’s handball from Ryan Christie’s cross during the loss against Brighton on Saturday (4 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the Ecuador international had a “clear intention of handling the ball”.
As seen in footage from Twitter (5 February), Brighton defender Estupinan looked to block Christie’s cross with a hand as a Bournemouth attacker lurked dangerously at the back post.
Referee Craig Pawson waved away appeals from the Bournemouth players and fans and his decision was upheld by VAR official Jared Gillet.
Pawson also dismissed another Cherries penalty appeal when Dango Ouattara looked to be pushed to the floor inside the penalty area by Estupinan.
In-form Kaoru Mitoma struck late to keep Gary O’Neil’s side in real relegation danger – leaving them a point inside the relegation zone after 21 games.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it’s an unnatural position for the hand to be in.
“He’s leaned out, but he’s got his hand tucked in to say: ‘look at me, I’m not actually doing this.’
“I think he’s got a clear intention of handling the ball.
“For me, that’s a penalty kick. Bournemouth should have had two penalties in this game.
“The commentator on Match of the Day says there was no movement to the ball – but I think it’s clear that there was.
“It was a great chance on goal.”
In other news, expert issues “major” Dominic Solanke claim after “freak” Bournemouth setback.