Exclusive: Bournemouth’s ‘unsporting’ Alex Scott lucky to stay on vs Crystal Palace
Alex Scott was incredibly lucky that his “unsporting behaviour” went unpunished in Bournemouth’s draw with Crystal Palace, says Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that you “cannot make that type of challenge” after the young midfielder escaped punishment for a shove on Ismaila Sarr.
In a game severely lacking in quality, Arsenal target Jean-Philippe Mateta had the only real moment of significance, failing to connect with a pull-back from Liverpool target Eberechi Eze.
Bournemouth’s usually electric wingers, Newcastle transfer target Antoine Semenyo, and Dango Ouattara were both nullified by the Eagles’ strong back five.
Whilst there was little action in front of goal, referee Samuel Barrott’s puzzling decision-making caused quite a stir.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott goes unpunished after shove on Ismaila Sarr
With 36 minutes gone, and little for the match-going fans to get excited about, Sarr made a burst through the heart of the Cherries’ midfield.
With the lively attacking-midfielder bearing down on Bournemouth’s backline, Scott looked to interrupt his run, and did so in a clumsy manner, shoving the Senegal international in the back, sending him tumbling.
Just 11 minutes earlier, the England U21 international had received a yellow from Barrott for a foul on Sarr, and it looked like the former Bristol City man would receive his marching orders.
| Bournemouth next three fixtures | Home/Away | Date |
| Man United | Home | 27 April |
| Arsenal | Away | 3 May |
| Aston Villa | Home | 10 May |
Instead, the referee chose the path of leniency, giving him a stern talking to.
The decision left many incensed as Scott had shown no intent to take the ball, having bundled into the back of the 27-year-old.
Exercising caution, and perhaps recognising how lucky his young midfielder had been, Tottenham target Andoni Iraola substituted the 21-year-old at half-time.
Keith Hackett analyses Crystal Palace red card appeals
Speaking to Football Insider about the incident, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett explained why Scott was fortunate to remain on the pitch, saying:
“He should be sat on the bench and his team down to ten men.
“You cannot make that type of challenge when you are on a yellow.
“His actions were unsporting behaviour.”
Bournemouth will take on Man United in their next Premier League game as they look to revive their chase for European football on Sunday, 27 April.