(Credit: Sky Sports)

Keith Hackett

Wed 19 February 2025 17:13, UK

Keith Hackett has given his reaction to the incident that saw Birmingham City striker Jay Stansfield stretchered off during his side’s EFL Trophy win over Bradford City.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider he was surprised that the Blues were not awarded a penalty for Romoney Crichlow’s challenge on the 22-year-old.

Birmingham were recently beaten by Newcastle in the FA Cup, but they did secure a trip to Wembley on Tuesday night (18 February) with a 2-1 victory over Bradford in the EFL Trophy semi-final.

That success though may have come at a rather significant cost for Chris Davies and his side.

Birmingham City have major injury concern after Bradford win

After a spell on loan at St Andrew’s last season, Birmingham signed Stansfield permanently from Fulham in the summer, smashing the League One transfer record in the process.

The striker has enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Blues, as they chase an immediate promotion back to the Championship.

However, there will be questions about how much more of a part he can play for the club this season after what happened in this latest outing.

Stansfield had put Birmingham 1-0 up earlier on in the match, but was then forced off after a challenge on him inside the Bradford area 52 minutes into the game.

Crichlow looked to bring down the striker from behind and then landed awkwardly on top of the Blues forward.

No penalty was given though, and Bradford were able to counter and equalise at the other end of the pitch.

Stansfield meanwhile was then stretchered off after several minutes of treatment, before Lyndon Dykes struck a late winner for Birmingham.

Despite the joy of reaching Wembley, many connected with the Blues were unsurprisingly concerned with the fitness of their talisman, while also bemused as to how a penalty was not given.

Now, Hackett has given his thoughts on that particular blow for the League One leaders, and the injury to Stansfield.

Keith Hackett reacts to Jay Stansfield incident vs Bradford

Speaking to Football Insider about the decision not to award Birmingham a penalty for the challenge that led to Stansfield’s injury, the former referee said:

“I thought that this was a barge in the back of his opponent and expected the referee in a good position to point to the penalty mark.

“Sadly in coming together the Bradford City player landed on his opponent which was an accident.

“The challenge in my opinion by the Bradford City player was careless. The law states for a direct free kick:

“‘A careless challenge is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution’. No disciplinary sanction is needed.”

Birmingham return to action on Saturday, when they make the trip south to take on Reading in League One.