Ex-Premier League referee issues emphatic Harry Toffolo verdict as Nottingham Forest controversy analysed
Keith Hackett has backed the officials decision to penalise Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo for handball in the loss to Wolves on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Fifa and Premier League official suggested the 27-year-old moved his arm into the path of the ball instead of taking it away.
As shown on Match of the Day (15 October), Wolves players appealed for a penalty when Adama Traore’s shot deflected off Toffolo’s arm.
Referee Thomas Bramall did not initially deem the contact to be worthy of a penalty.
However, on the advice of VAR official Lee Mason, the referee consulted the pitch-side monitor and overturned his decision.
Ruben Neves scored the resulting penalty to give the hosts all three points at Molineux.
Speaking to the BBC (15 October), Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper lamented the referees performance in the 1-0 loss.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the penalty awarded to Wolves, Hackett said: “At the last moment he has stuck a hand out.
“That is why he has been penalised. The arm has moved away from the body.
“If I am on the VAR I would give that as a penalty. I think the officials have got that one right in the end. It is a penalty in my eyes.”
Wolves climbed out of the relegation zone into 17th with the win.
Steve Cooper’s side remain bottom of the table.
In other news, a finance guru has pointed the finger at Nottingham Forest chiefs after £5million blunder.