Keith Hackett

Mon 24 February 2025 14:47, UK

Southampton can rightly be annoyed that the second goal they conceded in their defeat to Brighton was allowed to stand, Keith Hackett has said.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that goal should have been disallowed for a foul by Georginio Rutter on Joe Aribo.

It was yet another disappointing day for the Saints on Saturday (22 February) with their Premier League campaign continuing to falter as they were thrashed 4-0 by Fabian Hurzeler’s side at St Mary’s.

However it seems Southampton can at least feel hard done by over one of the goals they conceded during that match, although they face potential punishment for their reaction.

Southampton fume over Georginio Rutter foul on Joe Aribo

With Brighton leading 1-0 thanks to Joao Pedro’s first half strike, the visitors doubled their advantage just before the hour mark as Rutter picked up another goal.

In the build-up to that strike however, the attacker appeared to force Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo to the ground.

That allowed the ball to run to Yankuba Minteh, who then fired it back across the face of goal for Rutter to fire home from close range.

Several Saints players then protested to referee Darren Bond, but the goal was allowed to stand, with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale receiving a booking for his comments.

Ramsdale would later send a message to Southampton fans opening up on the emotions of the club’s disastrous run.

Now, Hackett clearly has sympathy for the Saints over this particular goal they conceded in this latest heavy defeat, especially with the punishment they may face for their protestations over it.

Keith Hackett reacts to Brighton goal controversy

Speaking to Football Insider about the decision to allow Rutter’s goal to stand for Brighton, the former referee said:

“First of all I think it was a foul so I go along with the fact that that is a foul, the game at that point should be stopped.

“What is interesting here is two things. First of all, three or more players surrounding the referee – as in the Man United game – is a report by the referee to the authorities.

“And the authorities can in fact fine the club for failing to control their players. That’s the first thing.

“The second point is it is a foul in my opinion, so why when the goal is scored didn’t VAR intervene?

“Those are the questions that I ask. Safe refereeing is something that I’ve discussed in the past with referees, and that is it’s relatively easy.

“You don’t want to wipe out goals but in a situation where I think there has been contact and the player has gone down and it is a foul, it’s a careless challenge, that free kick should have been awarded.”

Southampton will return to action when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night (25 February).