Exclusive: Wrexham penalty verdict issued after James McClean appeal
Wrexham were rightly awarded their winning penalty in their victory over Stockport County, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he did however have concerns over the length of time it took the match officials to award the spot kick.
Wrexham continued their push for a third consecutive promotion on Saturday (22 March) with a 1-0 win at home to Stockport.
That came after some considerable controversy, not least when it came to the decision to give the penalty that led to the only goal of the game.
Wrexham made to wait for penalty award
Midway through the first half of that game, a cross was sent in the direction of James McClean on the far side of the penalty area.
As the Wrexham captain attempted to head the ball back across the face of the area, the ball struck the back of the outstretched arm of Stockport defender Ibou Touray at close range.
Initially no penalty was awarded, as McClean frantically appealed to the assistant referee, who then consulted with referee Simon Mather.
| Wrexham last five games | Result |
| Huddersfield (A) | Won 1-0 |
| Rotherham (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Reading (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| Wycombe (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Stockport (H) | Won 1-0 |
That then led to the penalty being awarded, despite Stockport frustration over a push in the back of Touray from McClean.
Although Jay Rodriguez saw his penalty saved, he then fired in the rebound to score what proved to be the winner.
Wrexham were fortunate with their winning goal against Crawley last month, but on this occasion, Hackett feels the decision to eventually give the spot kick was correct.
Keith Hackett questions officiating delay after penalty award
After being asked by Football Insider if the decision to award that penalty to Phil Parkinson’s side was correct, the former referee said:
“Yes, I mean the player has no right to put his hand up, he’s making his body shape bigger, if the ball’s going to strike it’s a penalty kick.
“I’m really concerned that the referee didn’t see that, and where was the assistant referee’s flag, was he flagging?
“The referee’s not given it so presumably he hasn’t seen it, the assistant referee has seen it, but he’s not flagged.
“The very reason I brought in communication kits was so they could have a conversation and seek clarification without going across to see the assistant referee.
“What the referee’s done here is put the complete onus of the decision on the assistant referee, they came to the right decision, how they got there was a pretty poor process from which they can learn a lot.
“I don’t think there’s a push, I think ultimately at the end of the day it’s a penalty kick. Contact in football, it does take place, I think this is normal contact, I don’t think the hands and arms are out.
“When we think about a push we start off with a bent arm that straightens at the elbow, he’s gone for the ball, he’s headed the ball, he’s won it, the Stockport player’s got his hand up in the air: penalty.”
Following that win Wrexham have climbed to second in the League One table, nine points ahead of Stockport who are fifth in the standings.