Hackett ‘can’t believe’ Arsenal controversy missed by MOTD pundits on BBC
Keith Hackett has insisted Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty for Darnell Furlong’s challenge on Bukayo Saka in their 3-1 win over West Brom.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee admitted he couldn’t believe that Peter Bankes did not point to the spot after the incident.
Saka was played in behind the West Brom defence after 16 minutes before he was stopped by a last-ditch challenge from Furlong.
Mikel Arteta appealed for a penalty but the Arsenal players, including Saka, did not ask referee Bankes the question.
On Sunday’s Match of the Day 2 pundits Jermaine Jenas and Alan Shearer did not analyse the incident as it flew under the radar.
With the game goalless at the time, the decision could have proved costly for the Gunners but they eventually ran out comfortable winners.
Asked for his assessment of the flashpoint, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “That’s a penalty every day.
“He’s [Saka] a youngish player. Look, he’s taken him out.
“It’s a penalty and I can’t believe the referee’s not given it.
“He’s got the man. That is a challenge that’s brought the player down and it’s a foul.”
Saka was filling in at left-back at the Emirates with both Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney struggling with injuries.
The Hale End academy graduate ran the show and ended with one assist and a pass completion rate of 82 per cent, according to sofascore.
He has been one of the shining lights in Arsenal’s dreadful campaign with the club set for the lowest Premier League finish since the 1992/93 campaign.
In other news, Arsenal have made a move to re-sign a midfielder and are prepared to offer him a five-year deal.