Exclusive: Keith Hackett reacts to Adam Forshaw’s Blackburn celebration v Plymouth
Keith Hackett has reacted to Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Forshaw and whether he should have been sanctioned against Plymouth, amid plans to clampdown on player celebrations.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referees will not be aware of the context behind individual players during a game.
After a period of speculation, Blackburn were dealt a blow last week when head coach John Eustace left for Derby County.
The Ewood Park club have however coped well in his absence so far, with a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday marking a second consecutive victory under caretaker boss David Lowe.
It was Forshaw who opened the scoring in that game for the Lancashire outfit, with his celebration after his goal 55 minutes in garnering plenty of attention.
Adam Forshaw catches the eye for celebration vs Plymouth
Back in the January transfer window, Forshaw had left Plymouth to join Blackburn, after just under 12 months with the Pilgrims.
With the midfielder then scoring to put his new side ahead against his former club in this match, his celebration was particularly noteworthy.
Having found the back of the net, Forshaw ran to the touchline where before stopping in front of the Plymouth bench, where he then stood with his hands aloft.
The Blackburn man later clarified on his Instagram story that he was celebrating with his family, who were sat above the visiting dugout in the Ewood Park stands.
But with that unclear at the time, and recent plans to come down harder on celebrations after the likes of Phil Foden’s that could be seen as mocking the opposition, there may have been some questions as to whether the midfielder should have been booked for his celebration.
Hackett though does not believe that ought to have been the case in the circumstances.
Blackburn scorer rightly not booked says ex-PGMOL chief
Speaking to Football Insider about that celebration from Forshaw, the former referee said:
“As the referee on the field of play, you’re not even aware of his history. You wouldn’t be aware that he’s (signed from) Plymouth, that his family’s in the stand or whatever.
“Each one has to be judged on its merit by the referee. Had it been near the goal-line and corner flag, directly in front of Plymouth supporters, that’s where I would expect a yellow card.
“In that situation, every player has a right to celebrate a goal. I support the referee in not issuing a caution for over celebration. We don’t want to suppress the game: part of scoring goals, part of football.
“Had it been directly in front of the Plymouth fans then I would have expected to take place. We prepare for the games but not ‘he’s played for him and that situation’.
“So for me I think halfway line, ok, fine he’s not pointing at the technical area, he’s not pointing at an individual he is looking up so for me I support the referee with no yellow card.”
That win ensures the Ewood Park club remain fifth in the Championship table, as they continue their search for a new manager.
The likes of Gary O’Neil, Richie Wellens and Steven Gerrard have already been touted for Blackburn as potential replacements for Eustace.
Plymouth meanwhile are 23rd in the current standings, two points from safety.