Ex-Premier League referee pinpoints ‘problem’ after Bernardo Silva controversy at Man City
Keith Hackett has backed the officials decision to award Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva a penalty against Southampton on Saturday (22 October).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Fifa and Premier League referee suggested the foul was given because of contact on the upper body rather than the trip.
Bernardo went to ground inside the 18-yard box under contact from Pascal Gross and Lewis Dunk in the first half of Man City’s 3-1 win over Brighton.
Referee Craig Pawson did not initially point to the spot.
However, on the advice of VAR official Lee Mason, Pawson consulted the pitch-side monitor and reversed his decision.
Erling Haaland converted the resulting spot-kick for Pep Guardiola’s side.
When asked by Football Insider if the officials came to the right decision at the Etihad, Hackett said: “When you look at that, I think it has been given for the upper body foul rather than the trip.
“I think there is a push there and it is sufficient to say that it is a penalty kick. That is the problem.
“It is difficult for the referee but I agree with the decision. It is a penalty for me. If the referee goes to VAR we know he is going to change his decision.”
Man City closed the gap on league leaders Arsenal to two points with Saturday’s win.
The Premier League champions travel to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday (25 October).
In other news, a pundit has claimed Man City are cashing in on Erling Haaland after a ‘big’ financial reveal.