Ex-Premier League referee demands major change as controversial Harry Kane footage emerges from Tottenham
Keith Hackett has demanded more consistency on handball decisions after Tottenham were denied a penalty in their 1-1 draw with West Ham on Wednesday (31 August).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official insisted the right decision was made but the referee should not have pointed to the spot in the first place.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, Peter Bankes pointed to the spot when the ball struck Aaron Cresswell’s hand after a Harry Kane header.
He was told to review the footage on the pitchside monitor and the decision was eventually overturned.
“I can understand why there is some confusion on these decisions,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“We’ve got a referee, brilliantly positioned, a very experienced referee, and he’s given a penalty kick.
“Why does VAR come in? Was it a clear and obvious error?
“The arm was outstretched, the player moves his head to look at the ball and knows where his hand is.
“Football has got to decide in these situations, are we going to be consistent throughout the season and say because the ball has come off the head and onto the hand we’re not going to penalise that? That should be the case.
“Cresswell has got his arm stuck out. Is it to get elevation? Possibly. Is it to prevent the ball? Possibly.
“All the select group of referees have to be is consistent throughout the season and say they’re not going to penalise this instance and that should continue throughout the season.
“What they need to do is please use the word ‘deliberate’. Did Cresswell deliberately handle the ball? For me, he did not.
“Therefore, I don’t want an experienced referee blowing for a penalty kick in that situation because he’s not a penalty kick.”
In other news, a Tottenham idol has been left “surprised” by Antonio Conte after a Clement Lenglet decision.