Exclusive: PGMOL slammed over unusual incident in Bournemouth win over Southampton
Keith Hackett has slammed the PGMOL for “poor management” of their officials after an unusual incident in Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Chris Kavanagh should not have been fourth official in the match on Saturday (15 February), having already taken charge of Brighton vs Chelsea the night before.
After an injury to assistant referee, Richard West, Kavanagh had to take over, which Hackett believes is indicative of an issue that needs addressing by PGMOL chief Howard Webb.
Southampton were powerless to stop the Cherries, as Newcastle fan’s ideal replacement for Alexander Isak, Justin Kluivert, ran riot against the Saints in a 3-1 win.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been linked with a number of “top Premier League clubs”, as his side continue their march up the table.
Bournemouth dispatch Southampton as Champions League challenge begins
Southampton were the latest side to be beaten by Bournemouth, with the Cherries now only one point behind Man City, who sit fourth in the Premier League table.
The team has been built for devastating and pacey attacks, with Liverpool transfer target Milos Kerkez offering a constant threat down the left hand side.
The Hungarian’s partner on the left hand side, Antoine Semenyo is a transfer target for Chelsea, and while the Ghanaian was a menace for Bournemouth, it was Ryan Christie and Dango Outtara who delivered the decisive blows against the Saints.
Outtara netted in the 14th minute, before Christie scored in the 16th minute, giving Southampton a mountain to climb.
Kamaldeen Sulemana pulled one back, before Marcus Tavernier scored in the 83rd minute to guarantee all three points for the Cherries.
West injury in Southampton vs Bournemouth assessed by ex-PGMOL chief
In the 75th minute, assistant referee, West, was unable to continue running the line due to an injury, and fourth official, Kavanagh, was forced to become his replacement, despite having already officiated a game the night before.
Speaking to Football Insider about what happened to West, the former PGMOL chief, Hackett, said: “The question that should be asked was why was a referee who officiated a Premier League game the night before be fourth official today?
“This is very poor management by the PGMOL. I feel that our top referees are being asked to officiate too many games.
“Referee, VAR and fourth official roles are all demanding. Remember our officials have to travel too and from games.
“The fact that an assistant is replaced through injury should not impact on Gillett’s performance.
“Too many games and not enough quality officials needs to be addressed by the PGMOL.”