Exclusive: England slammed as Brentford’s Lewis-Potter ‘should have walked’ v Forest
Keane Lewis-Potter should have been sent off during the first half between Nottingham Forest and Brentford, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively indicated to Football Insider that VAR could not intervene for a second bookable offence leading to a red card, instead blaming the on-pitch officiating.
It was a very exciting first 45 minutes at the City Ground on Thursday, 1 May, with both sides creating plenty of chances, but it was referee Darren England who stole the spotlight in the Premier League clash.
The Bees finally made a breakthrough just before the half-time whistle, with Kevin Schade capitalising on Ola Aina’s mistake to score an unexpected opener.
Darren England slammed after Lewis-Potter controversy
Man City-linked midfield maestro Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Norgaard all joined Lewis-Potter in the referee’s notebook during a feisty opening half at the City Ground.
The full-back had already been cautioned following an unlawful challenge on Anthony Elanga, and having then bodychecked Ola Aina later in the half, Forest supporters were calling for a red card.
On this occasion, however, England decided to keep his cards in his pocket, but Hackett was quick to defend VAR as protocol states that they could not get involved in a second yellow situation.
It is certainly a decision that could affect the outcome of the game due to the Bees still having 11 players on the pitch, and the referee has been rightly criticised for his lack of action.
Brentford should have been down to 10 men against Nottingham Forest
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Lewis-Potter’s potential sending-off, the former referee said:
“This is a clear, unfair, impeding offence – stopping a promising attack. It is a clear yellow card offence that should have resulted in a second yellow.
“Poor officiating. VAR, under the criteria, cannot intervene. He should have walked!”
Nuno Espirito Santo, who could earn a new contract at Forest, is trying to create history by qualifying for the Champions League, but that challenge has been made all the harder because of the referee.
Brentford are also fighting for a spot in Europe, even if just the Europa Conference League, and the game certainly seemed to be going in the visitor’s favour during the first half.