Exclusive: PGMOL insider criticises Ollie Watkins over Aston Villa v Fulham incident
Keith Hackett praised referee Rob Jones and the VAR team for making the correct decision after Ollie Watkins went down “too easily” in Aston Villa’s win over Fulham.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the match officials deserved praise for their judgment of the foul.
The home side went into their game against Fulham desperate for a win to keep pace in the race for Champions League qualification.
Having suffered the ignominy of their humbling 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final, the pressure is on for the Villains with silverware off the cards for this campaign.
In spite of Unai Emery blowing up at Ezri Konsa, and the home side wasting a plethora of chances, they managed to edge out an underwhelming Fulham side 1-0.
Ollie Watkins goes down after shove from Antonee Robinson
Villa held a 1-0 lead thanks to a sublime header from Youri Tielemans, and with Fulham offering little in the first half, the home side pressed forward looking for a second.
Following a clipped pass into the penalty area, Watkins looked to have the beating of the Cottagers back line, before Antonee Robinson gave the England international a firm shove in the back.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, before being cleared a matter of seconds later with no interruption to the action.
Watkins’ afternoon was a frustrating one, shocking Paul Merson as the England international wasted several golden opportunities for his side before being replaced by Donyell Malen in the second half.
Keith Hackett reviews Ollie Watkins penalty claim
Having reviewed the footage, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett told Football Insider exclusively the striker had gone down too easily, whilst also praising the match officials for their judgement: “Watkins has gone down too easily after feeling that nudge in the back.
“The match officials have judged this one correctly.”
The win leaves Villa level on points with fellow Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.
Emery’s side will take on Bournemouth next Saturday (8 May) as they look to secure their place in Europe’s premier competition.