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Ex-Premier League referee: There are no excuses for howler as Nelson footage emerges from Cardiff
Preston North End should have been awarded a late penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City on Sunday (9 January), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted there were no excuses as Andy Woolmer missed a handball by Cardiff’s Curtis Nelson at the end of extra time.
Preston floated a cross in and Nelson went to challenge a header with Ched Evans before appearing to handle the ball.
Referee Andy Woolmer awarded Cardiff City a free-kick for an apparent push in the back from Evans.
“That is handball every day,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Is it because there are no fans in the stadium that he’s lost a bit of concentration, or, it might be fatigue because they were in extra time.
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“It wasn’t a foul the other way. It was a penalty.
“We talk about physical fatigue but there is also mental fatigue. He got it wrong, it was a penalty kick.
“I’m not giving him any excuses, it’s a nonsense. It’s a clear handball. He’s made himself bigger, the referee’s in a good position and got it wrong.
“Andy Woolmer was the referee and he’s 57-years-old. The original referee was Simon Hooper so effectively he was a replacement referee.
“He’s probably the oldest on the list.”
Cardiff were rewarded for their victory with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the fourth round next month.
Preston lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Deepdale earlier this season.
In other news, Cardiff City and Preston North End are racing to sign a player and a six-figure bid will seal the deal.