Ex-Premier League referee: ‘Football being made a mockery’ as Dan Burn footage at Newcastle United analysed
Dan Burn can have no complaints with the penalty he gave away as Newcastle United beat Brentford 5-1 on Saturday (8 October), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee admitted the handball law is a “nonsense” and is making a mockery of the game.
As shown on Match of the Day, Brentford were awarded a spot kick when the ball hit Burn’s raised arm from a close-range header from Aaron Hickey.
Ivan Toney converted from the spot in trademark fashion to get a goal back for his side but Newcastle went on to score a further three and secure a comfortable win.
Burn told talkSPORT on Tuesday (11 October) that the decision was not fair and he only had his arm up so he could move his body to face Hickey.
The 30-year-old called on the authorities to clarify the handball law as there is inconsistency across Europe and in the Premier League.
“He’s got his arm in the air, there it is,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“What’s his arm doing there? It’s going to be given.
“It’s making a nonsense of the game really, handball. We had lots this weekend.”
Newcastle’s win at St. James’ Park has lifted them to sixth in the Premier League, just two points off Chelsea in fourth.
Eddie Howe’s side are next in action on Sunday (16 October) when they travel to Old Trafford to face Man United.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed that Newcastle United spending is to soar past £700million and it “will attract real publicity”.