Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref analyses huge Dickie incident in Bristol City v Sheffield Utd
Rob Dickie’s penalty concession and red card for a foul on Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore has been assessed by Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Oliver Langford was left with “no alternative” when the Welsh striker was brought down in the box.
The Blades and City’s clash was record-setting before a pass was even played, with the points gulf between the two the largest it has ever been between a sixth-placed and third-placed side competing against each other in the playoffs.
The promotion chasers had been forced to watch on as Leeds celebrated their Championship title, whilst Burnley joined them by parading their Premier League status through the streets of their city.
United had a goal chalked off for an offside just 10 minutes into the action, sending Chris Wilder into a foul-mouthed rant.
But that moment will fade from the memory very quickly, following what looked to be a controversial penalty decision on the stroke of half-time.
Rob Dickie brings down Kieffer Moore for Sheffield United penalty
With half-time drawing close, a header was flicked into the path of Moore, who bore down on Max O’Leary‘s goal.
The hulking Welsh striker looked set to add to his tally of five goals this season, before Rob Dickie got a hold of the former Bournemouth man, and didn’t let go.
The Scottish defender managed to poke the ball away, but in doing so he dragged Moore to the ground.
Langford was quick on the whistle, immediately awarding a penalty in spite of the defender getting the ball, and then sent off the 29-year-old.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Sheffield United penalty and Rob Dickie red
Having reviewed the footage, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett told Football Insider exclusively that whilst the defender had made contact with the ball, the decision was a simple one for Langford.
“The Referee clearly has awarded a penalty kick for a holding offence.
“The Bristol player [Dickie] is holding his opponent and therefore not attempting to play the ball.
“It is a foul for holding, and the referee has made the correct call and been left with no alternative other than to dismiss the player for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
“Correct decision by the referee.”