Exclusive: Keith Hackett reacts amid shock at St Mirren incident vs Dundee Utd
Keith Hackett has responded after shock that VAR did not intervene to deny the penalty given against Dundee United in their match at St. Mirren.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the poor defensive positioning from Kevin Holt, and camera angles, contributed after the United defender was judged to have fouled Toyosi Olusanya.
Despite there seeming to be minimal contact between the two players, the decision was given by referee David Dickinson.
The decision sparked disbelief among fans, as well as pundit Tam McManus, who took to social media to ask “how is that possible” at the on-field decision.
Toyosi Olusanya ‘manufactured contact’ against Dundee United
Dundee looked to have earned a valuable three points away from home as they lead 1-0, so the decision to award a penalty for the challenge was a controversial one.
However, despite winning the penalty, Olusanya failed to convert his spot-kick as his effort was saved by Tangerines goalkeeper Jack Walton.
When asked about the referee’s decision, Hackett said: “The problem for the defender is that he has stuck a leg out and this is not a good way to defend.
“The attacker is going to work hard to manufacture contact and go to ground to win a penalty kick.
“VAR is not going to intervene because this angle does not give sufficient evidence to request a review on the criteria of a clear and obvious error.
“The assistant on touchline had the best view and may well have confirmed contact.”
It was not the only controversial decision on same day in the Scottish Premiership after Hackett blasted VAR for a delay in the game between Celtic and Ross County.
Whilst the decision looked a decisive one at the time, Olusanya’s miss meant that St. Mirren were unable to move out of the relegation qualification in the league.
Dundee United on the other hand, move to within four points of Rangers, who are second in the table and have struggled this season, leading to rumours that Philippe Clement may be sacked soon.
In other news, McManus ridiculed Celtic following their ‘flop’ against Dundee.
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