Ex-Premier League referee delivers Pawson verdict after controversial Man United footage emerges
Keith Hackett has heaped praise on Craig Pawson for playing a “brilliant” advantage in Leicester City’s third goal in their 4-2 win over Man United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Pawson got “everything spot on” with the incident.
Marcus Rashford had drawn Man United level with less than 10 minutes to go at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester launched an attack straight from the kick-off that saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka bring down Timothy Castagne.
Pawson played advantage as the Foxes continued their attack that resulted in Jamie Vardy putting his side in front.
He went back to show Wan-Bissaka a yellow card for the challenge – his first in the Premier League this season.
Patson Daka scored Leicester’s fourth to wrap up the win in stoppage time.
“Ultimately, it’s a sign of confidence in the match official,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He’s reading the game, he was having a terrific match.
“I’ve criticised Pawson in the past but his fitness has got better and his decision making has improved. As a consequence, he let it flow really well, taking up some good positions.
“The advantage was brilliant. He delayed, held his gaze to see the likelihood of any comeback, ie players getting up and having a go at one another, there wasn’t.
“Once you’ve applied it, there is an outcome, you’ve got to recognise where the player was, what number he is and caution him.
“He did everything spot on, it was an excellent piece of refereeing.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has dropped a ‘massive’ Man United claim as a £1bn venture is on the cards.