Exclusive: ‘PGMOL to hold Christian Norgaard talks over Brentford controversies’
Howard Webb could send an official to hold talks with Brentford and Thomas Frank over Christian Norgaard’s behaviour on the pitch, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that reckless behaviour from players can often see them become a central focus for referees during matches.
Norgaard received eight yellow cards and was sent off during the 0-0 draw against Everton in November, though Hackett admitted that the Brentford man was hard done by at Goodison Park.
The Bees’ club captain could have been given his marching orders on yet another occasion, launching into a high tackle of Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli during a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium in April.
Christian Norgaard needs to be talked to ahead of 2025/26 season
The midfielder is incredibly crucial to the Bees’ set-up at the Gtech Community Stadium, helping Tottenham-linked manager Thomas Frank to achieve even more with the team.
While the 31-year-old has only picked up one red card during his 196 appearances for Brentford, he often finds himself in controversial situations, sometimes putting his team in difficult situations, such as going down to 10 men.
He regularly wears the captain’s armband, suggesting that Frank has no plans to replace him in the middle of the park, prompting Hackett to suggest a visit from PGMOL could help the situation.
PGMOL to visit Brentford after controversial incidents
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said:
“It would be advisable for the manager, the player, and someone from PGMOL to have a chat and explain the law that launching yourself towards an opponent, off the floor, means you’re not in control.
“You don’t necessarily need to hit the player to receive a red card. You’re endangering an opponent and using excessive force. Referees are much better these days when it comes to watching videos and preparing for the matches.
“With this technology, these players can become targeted, not to pull out the red card any quicker, but when this player is in and around play, the referee’s concentration is focused on that.
“I went into Everton to talk to David Moyes when [Marouane] Fellaini was picking up cards like confetti. That was interesting because David Moyes contributed more to the players’ changes than I did, in terms of his behaviour.
“The manager can play a really important role here. Don’t take away the passion or enthusiasm, but use his skillsets in the right manner rather than receive an early red card.”