Hackett Exclusive: Heckingbottom feared ban over Preston v Blackburn controversy
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was unable to give his honest opinion after the loss Blackburn Rovers due to the threat of punishment, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that those potential punishments restrict managers from giving their view in post-match interviews.
Heckingbottom saw his side both concede and be denied a penalty as they were beaten 2-1 by John Eustace’s side at Ewood Park on Friday (31 January).
Hackett feels that the Preston boss was however, prevented from giving an honest opinion on those decisions that went against his side in the match.
Preston boss unable to express frustration after Blackburn defeat
Fines and punishments have become commonplace for managers over comments made about referee decisions.
Eustace himself was recently charged and subsequently fined by the FA after pointing out his Blackburn side would not have been awarded a penalty given to Leeds in the draw between the two last month.
Preston were themselves unhappy in their defeat to Rovers over two major moments, after Jack Whatmough gave away a penalty after clattering into Dom Hyam inside the visitor’s penalty area.
They were then even more unhappy after being denied the chance to equalise in second half stoppage time when they felt Makhtar Gueye’s arm made contact with both the ball and the face of Brad Potts.
Heckingbottom was visibly frustrated during the game, even having to be pulled back down the touchline by his assistant Stuart McCall at one point.
Speaking about the decisions after the game, the Preston boss said: “We have all seen it, you’d better talk about it. I am not talking about it today, I have just been sent off last week.”
He then went on to talk about it by saying: “Josh and Jeremy (Simpson, fourth official) know they have got it wrong, they couldn’t wait to get off the pitch.
“All the time Pottsy was down getting treated, they didn’t even add any of that on. It is one of them, they have had a howler.
“I can’t tell you how frustrating it is. It is our job and we focus on what we do, but I can’t tell you how frustrating it is.
“When you are working with the lads all the time, especially the subs when they came on and the impact they had, and they have not got the reward for that.
“But then add to that the 6,500 fans who are paying to be here, they expect better, we all expect better.” (Lancashire Telegraph).
Hackett though believes the Preston boss was more restrained than he needed to be with some of his comments, with the former referee telling Football Insider:
“In post match interviews it is a pity that fear of fine and suspension restricts managers the opportunity to give their view.
“It was evident that Paul Heckingbottom a manager who is articulate and fair is unable to say what he thinks. Preston had two big decisions go against them that’s for sure.”
Following that defeat at Ewood Park, Preston remain firmly in mid-table in the Championship table, having missed the chance to move to within two points of their opponents with that defeat.
Football Insider understands the Lilywhites have also recently seen a bid rejected for Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
Blackburn for their part have now climbed back into the play-off places, after ending a run of three straight defeats with that win.
In other news, Norwich are leading the race to sign a Brighton player.
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