Exclusive: Hackett shocked at ‘guess’ for Joe Willock Newcastle goal v Birmingham
Newcastle were given a goal against Birmingham based on “a guess” from the officials as to whether the ball had crossed the line, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he could not understand why goal line technology was not in operation as Birmingham faced Newcastle in the FA Cup.
Eddie Howe’s side conceded in the first minute of the game, after Ethan Laird’s shot deflected in off Callum Wilson, who is set to leave Newcastle in the summer.
Joe Willock then controversially equalised for the Magpies in the 26th minute, as his shot appeared to have been saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
VAR was once again a talking point as Newcastle went ahead 2-1 through Wilson, as William Osula appeared to be offside in the build-up.
Tomoki Iwata sent Birmingham into the break level, following a thunder-strike from 30-odd yards out.
Willock then scored in the 82nd minute, connecting to a loose ball in the box, to send his side through to the FA Cup fifth round.
Newcastle and Birmingham play out a ferocious affair
Eddie Howe rested a number of his stars against Birmingham, including Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak, after Kieran Trippier drew interest from Galatasary on Deadline Day.
Isak was brought on in the closing moments of the match, but did not even get a touch of the ball in his brief runout.
Howe’s side looked set for a difficult evening following a goal within a minute for Birmingham, but they fought back well.
Osula looked fired up for the match, and after assisting both controversial goals, was booked for his involvement in a bust-up between players from both sides.
The game highlighted the brilliance of the FA Cup, with Birmingham clearly motivated by the challenge of trying to beat their Premier League opponents, and the Magpies matched their energy.
Newcastle goal follows Harry Maguire controversy as Man United beat Leicester
Harry Maguire’s scored a last-minute Man United winner against Leicester on Friday (7 February), and was clearly offside, but the decision was missed by officials, as VAR and Hawkeye goal-line technology (GLT) is not in use until the fifth-round of the FA Cup.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief, Hackett, said: “I find it difficult to understand why after personally convincing the Premier League, and after years to convince FIFA to introduce Goal Line Technology it is not in operation in the Birmingham City v Newcastle United game.
“The Hawkeye GLT takes away the guessing by match officials with regard to the ball crossing over the goal line.
“Newcastle United’s first goal was a guess and in a game at the top level this should not have to be the case.
“I was boss of the PGMOL when I asked the Premier League to introduce GLT, I worked with Dr Paul Hawkins of Hawkeye during its development.“
“It took us years to convince FIFA of its introduction. It was only after Frank Lampard goal not given in WC that Blatter the Head of FIFA gave the go ahead.”