Ex-Premier League referee slams ‘lazy’ Craig Pawson as Newcastle United controversy analysed
Keith Hackett has slammed referee Craig Pawson for his “lazy” performance in Burnley’s loss to Newcastle United on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed VAR official Jarred Gillett pulled the 43-year-old “out of the mire” at Turf Moor.
Pawson refereed his 26th game of the season at Turf Moor on Sunday as the home side were relegated from the Premier League.
Newcastle took the lead from the penalty spot through Callum Wilson after Burnley defender Nathan Collins handled from a corner.
The incident was missed by Pawson but VAR official Jarred Gillett instructed his colleague to review the decision on the pitch-side monitor and a penalty followed.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment, Hackett said: “We have now seen a couple of incidents in the last four weeks where Craig Pawson is in a relatively good position but misses it.
“It is an easy decision but he doesn’t give anything. VAR has pulled him out of the mire. It is good on Jarred Gillet to pull Pawson out of the mire here.
“Pawson had a very good cup final as much as it was a relatively easy game to referee. As a top-class referee you have to see these incidents.
“Collins’ hand is well in the air. You can see the deflection.
“I don’t know what he was thinking. It was lazy refereeing for me.”
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