Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL chief shocked by ‘appalling’ error in Coventry v Burnley
Keith Hackett was astounded by an “avoidable” refereeing decision during Coventry’s loss to Burnley.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the lack of VAR in the Championship gave the refereeing team no chance to rectify their “appalling” mistake.
Coventry have been a team reborn under Frank Lampard, with the Englishman dragging the Sky Blues into the fight for a play-off place since taking over.
However, after a fortuitous error by the officiating team allowed Haji Wright to open the scoring in the fifth minute, it was all downhill after that.
Jaidon Anthony got on the end of a tidy cutback from Celtic target Josh Brownhill to level the scores in the 16th minute, before a howler from Coventry goalkeeper Bradley Collins allowed the Bournemouth loanee to double the Clarets’ lead, giving them all three points.
Haji Wright scores for Coventry after linesman misses clear offside
With just five minutes gone, the Sky Blues broke down the right-hand side, looking to cause problems for the best defence in England.
Milan van Ewijk picked up the ball, before pulling it back for Jack Rudoni, who’s left-footed shot was tipped onto the post by Newcastle target James Trafford.
Ephron Mason-Clark was the next to try and turn the ball goalward, with his effort blocked heroically by Connor Roberts.
However, the ball then landed at the feet of Wright, who made no mistake, poking home from a matter of yards out.
Whilst wheeling away in celebration, the USA international looked sheepishly towards the linesman, but with no flag raised, the striker celebrated his 11th goal of the season.
Replays showed, however, Wright was several yards offside and with few blocking the assistant referee’s view of the goal, questions will be raised as to how the goal was allowed to stand.
Keith Hackett analyses Coventry opener vs Burnley
Having been asked by Football Insider for his expert opinion on the decision, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett was extremely critical of the officiating team, saying: “What a way to start the weekend.
“An easy offside decision that should have ruled out this goal, and I’m amazed that it is not flagged by the assistant referee.
“No VAR, so no chance to rectify what is an appalling error.
| Match stats | Coventry | Burnley |
| Possession | 50% | 50% |
| Shots (on target) | 14 (4) | 13 (6) |
| Expected goals | 1.55 | 1.52 |
| Big chances (missed) | 3 (2) | 2 (0) |
| Corners | 1 | 5 |
“The referee and assistant referee have to help each other here with the referee through the communication system indicating that the player had played the ball.
“These types of errors are disappointing and avoidable.”
Coventry will face off against Portsmouth on Wednesday, 9 April, as they look to arrest their run of three losses in their last four games.