Ex-Premier League referee issues ‘horrible’ claim as controversial Jack Colback footage emerges from Nottingham Forest
The decisison to award Luton Town a penalty in their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday (15 April) was a “horrible call”, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed James Linington should have been helped by his assistant and the incident highlights the need for VAR in the Championship.
Luton were awarded a penalty when Linington adjudged Jack Colback had handled the ball eight minutes before half time.
Kal Naismith converted from the spot and Town were able to keep hold of the lead.
Forest bounced back from the defeat with a 4-0 hammering of West Brom last night (18 April) with Jack Colback getting on the scoresheet with a stunning strike.
“Oh, no,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Oh dear, James Linington got it wrong. This is why they want VAR.
“I think he could expect some assistance from his linesman although he’s in quite a good position.
“What a bad call, that really is a horrible call.
“He’s seen the movement of Colback but this is about viewing angles. He’s seen that ball hit Colback and has to give something.
“It’s a tough call but he’s got it wrong.”
Forest’s win last night keeps them in fifth in the Championship table with Luton a place above them.
Nathan Jones’ side are six points behind the automatic places but have played two more games while Forest are a point behind them having played the same number of games as Fulham and Bournemouth.
In other news, a Premier League club want to sign a Nottingham Forest player and £4million could seal the deal.