Ex-refs chief: Craig Pawson nearly sparks ‘mass confrontation’ as Sunderland-Fulham footage analysed
Craig Pawson’s lack of intervention could have sparked a mass brawl between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee appeared to lack confidence in footage doing the rounds on social media.
Emotions were running high as the Cottagers ran out 3-1 winners on Sunday, 22 February, as Raul Jimenez netted one of his two goals from the penalty spot, and a third came from Alex Iwobi.
Enzo Le Fee was also successful from the spot, but it was nothing more than a consolation for the Black Cats. There were still some major talking points between Sunderland and Fulham, however.
Keith Hackett makes his feelings clear over Sunderland-Fulham footage
With the score still 0-0, Jimenez appeared to bundle over Angulo in the penalty area, before Joachim Andersen came across to kick the Sunderland player. Result? Fulham free-kick.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said, “The learning point is blow the whistle early, and give a foul to the defence. If there’s any doubt, like a throw-in, goal-kick or corner, you go for the easy, common-sense option.
“Give it to the defence. That’s what we were all taught as young referees. That’ll get you out of jail. Half the supporters will be against you, but just sell it. Craig Pawson is experienced now.
“Most of the time, he wants to stay out of it. But when there’s a player on the floor, that’s a potential mass-confrontation trigger, which is why you need a quick blow of the whistle.”
What did the fans make of Craig Pawson’s performance?
Supporters were not overly enthusiastic about Pawson, to say the very least.
But then again, in his day and age of Premier League refereeing, which fans actually end a matchweek happy with their official?
It is easy for supporters to pick out the negatives, especially when not being awarded a penalty or a goal is allowed to stand, controversially.
Pawson, however, is facing a lot of criticism online, and by the looks of it, fans do have reason to voice their complaints.