Exclusive: Cunha deserved Wolves red vs Brighton amid Hurzeler fury – Ex-FIFA ref
Fabian Hurzeler was left raging that Matheus Cunha wasn’t sent off in Brighton’s win away to Wolves, and Keith Hackett has given his thoughts on the controversy.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he had “expected a red card to be shown” to Cunha following the late challenge.
Wolves were beaten 2-0 by Brighton at Molineux, with goals from Danny Welbeck and Brajan Gruda ensuring the Seagulls travelled back to the south coast with all three points.
The result means that Fabian Hurzeler’s side are still in the hunt for European football next season, with a Europa Conference League spot a real possibility.
Hurzeler furious Cunha didn’t walk for Wieffer challenge
Midway through the first half, Cunha carelessly gave the ball away in his own half, and Brighton’s Mats Wieffer looked certain to punish the Brazilian’s mistake.
However, Cunha swiped away the full-back’s legs to prevent him from getting his shot away, and Michael Oliver immediately pointed to the spot.
| Games Played | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| 34 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
Despite being given the penalty Brighton boss Hurzeler was left raging on the sideline, with the German unable to believe that the Wolves attacker hadn’t seen red.
Manchester United target Cunha had been saved by the double jeopardy rule with the referee believing he had made an attempt to win the ball.
Hurzeler wasn’t convinced though, and even after Welbeck converted the spot-kick, he was still in the ear of the fourth official.
Keith Hackett believes Cunha was lucky
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett revealed that he also disagreed with the controversial decision, and believed Cunha should’ve been sent off.
“We see Cunha making frankly no attempt to challenge for the ball, instead playing the man and bringing him down to the ground.
“It’s a foul challenge for which the penalty kick was the correct call.
“I would have then expected a red card to be applied for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity.”
Hackett had also disagreed with an earlier decision in the game, when Welbeck thought he’d given Brighton the lead, but the goal was ruled out for offside.