Ex-Premier League referee issues verdict on Brereton Diaz controversy at Blackburn as footage analysed
Blackburn Rovers should have had a penalty kick in their 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town yesterday (2 January), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Rovers were “unlucky” not to be given a spot-kick for a challenge on Ben Brereton Diaz.
Blackburn won the ball back from Huddersfield before Brereton Diaz beat his man to advance into the penalty area.
Just before he was able to take a shot on goal, Matty Pearson came from behind to knock him to the ground, as shown on the Sky Sports highlights.
A penalty would have given Brereton Diaz the opportunity to score his 21st Championship goal of the season.
As quoted by the Daily Mail after the game, Tony Mowbray claimed it was “two penalties, not one” because of a challenge as the Chile striker entered the box.
He also labelled Keith Stroud’s performance as “embarrassing” because he also felt he missed a red card for Huddersfield’s Duane Holmes for a foul on young Blackburn attacker Tyrhys Dolan in the closing stages.
“He’s blocked him,” Hackett said after analysing the potential penalty footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I’m giving a penalty kick. He’s just been given a knock.
“He’s unlucky not to be given a penalty kick. They should have been given one.”
Despite failing to extend their winning run to seven games, Rovers moved into the Championship top two over the weekend.
Mowbray’s side are a point clear of third-place Fulham although they have played two more games.
In other news, Blackburn Rovers have opened talks to sign a Sheffield United 24-year-old.