Ex-Premier League referee hits out at Bournemouth ‘scandal’ as Dango Ouattara controversy analysed
Keith Hackett has claimed Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil has got “every right to scream and shout” after his side were denied a “clear penalty” in the 1-0 loss against Brighton on Saturday (4 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee accused Pervis Estupinan of fouling Dango Ouattara with a shoulder into the back.
As seen in footage from the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube account (4 February), Ouattara looked to be pushed to the floor inside the penalty area by Brighton defender Estupinan.
Referee Craig Pawson waved away appeals from the Bournemouth players and VAR official Jared Gillet found no fault with Estupinan after a review of the incident.
A separate penalty claim involving the Ecuador international was also dismissed after he looked to handle a dangerous cross from Cherries star Ryan Christie.
As quoted by Gary Taphouse post-match (4 February), Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil insisted Pawson had made a “scandalous” decision – and also flagged a potential foul in the build-up to Brighton’s goal.
In-form Kaoru Mitoma struck late to keep O’Neil’s side in real relegation danger – leaving them a point adrift of safety.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It wasn’t shoulder-to-shoulder, it was in his back.
“I think it’s a clear penalty. It wasn’t even iffy.
“The manager has got every right to scream and shout about this decision because this is a foul.
“The defender knew exactly what he was doing.
“He charges him in the back and bowls him over. He was beaten all ends up.”
In other news, expert issues “major” Dominic Solanke claim after “freak” Bournemouth setback.