Exclusive: PGMOL insider rages at ‘unacceptable’ Leyton Orient v Stockport incident
Keith Hackett was incensed by an “unacceptable” incident that took place in Leyton Orient’s 2-2 draw with Stockport County in the playoff semi-finals.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the current PGMOL regime must “demonstrate leadership” to eradicate grappling in the penalty box.
The O’s took the lead half an hour into the first leg of the playoff semi-final, through one-time Tottenham target Charlie Kelman, despite clearly being offside.
However, the home side failed to capitalise on several chances, allowing former Sheffield United man Oliver Norwood to equalise for Stockport from the penalty spot.
The Northern Irish midfielder doubled his, and the visiting sides’ tally just five minutes later in the 65th minute.
After battening down the hatches, Stockport looked set to earn themselves an invaluable 2-1 win ahead of a second leg clash at Edgeley Park.
That was until League One’s top scorer, Kelman, coolly slotted home from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.
Whilst two penalties in the same game is an unusual occurrence, there ultimately should have been another according to ex-FIFA ref Hackett.
Brad Hills held by Sean Clare in Leyton Orient box
Whilst Orient’s attacking stars have regularly stolen the headlines this season, including young Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley for his wonder-strike against Man City, their defence has usually been a strong point this season.
Keeping 18 clean sheets in League One, the fourth-most out of any side, former Blackburn Rovers target Richie Wellens‘ side has made a habit of shutting out the best teams in the league.
But against Stockport, the O’s struggled for long periods of the match and had to resort to some questionable defensive tactics at times.
Looking to connect to a ball whipped into the box, Brad Hills found himself being held by Sean Clare.
Anywhere else on the pitch, a free kick would have been awarded, but referee Ben Speedie chose against punishing the Orient defender on this occasion, much to the annoyance of Hackett.
Keith Hackett reviews Stockport penalty claim
Having reviewed the incident, Hackett was unequivocal in his views, telling Football Insider exclusively that Stockport should have had a penalty and that PGMOL must crack down on incidents like these: “The PGMOL must demonstrate leadership and direction on grappling inside the penalty area.
“The blue player of Stockport County [Hills] is clearly being held by the red player of Leyton Orient [Clare].
“There is an offence, and saying six of one, half a dozen of the other will not put an end to these unacceptable clashes.”