Ex-Premier League referee: PGMOL need to intervene after ‘horrendous’ Jack Grealish twist at Man City
The PGMOL should clarify what determines a red card challenge after the “horrendous” tackle on Jack Grealish as Man City beat Wolves 3-0 earlier this month (17 September).
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Ruben Neves blasted the consistency of match officials.
Nathan Collins was shown a straight red card for his lunge on Grealish at Molineux.
As quoted by the Express & Star last week (19 September), Neves admitted he could not argue with the decision but questioned the consistency of referees this season.
“It was a horrendous challenge,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“The first thing is that someone should be defining to players what is reckless and what is endangering the safety of an opponent because it’s a very fine line.
“If you look at challenges we’ve seen where a boot is landing at the top of the opponent’s boot, just as the base of the leg and ankle.
“Under the remit of the PGMOL they can actually give guidelines. They can get together with the PFA and LMA and say ‘How do you view this challenge? We view it as it’s putting your players at risk. You’ll benefit one week and lose the next. You’re threatening a player’s career. As a group we’re going to recognise that as a red card’.
“This sort of dialogue no longer takes place but I think it will when Howard Webb takes over at the PGMOL.
“This is where players need to be advised on what is a yellow card and what is a red because confusion comes in for players and all stakeholders of the game.
“I’ve seen challenges that justify what Neves is saying. I think it’s right and the PGMOL should listen.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Man City could now “quietly dispose” of a controversial deal.