(Credit: Getty Images)

Keith Hackett

Sat 22 February 2025 16:57, UK

Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi should not have been sent off against Wolves, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Ukrainian defender should have not have been shown a red card for his challenge on Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Bournemouth knew that a win over Wolves on Saturday (22 February), would send the Cherries above Man City, and up to fourth in the Premier League.

The Cherries are determined to finish as high as possible this season with big teams looking to snap up some of their stars. Antoine Semenyo is Newcastle’s top priority signing, and Liverpool are interested in signing Milos Kerkez.

Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi should have seen yellow says ex-PGMOL chief

The Ukrainian defender flew into a challenge on Ait-Nouri on the half-hour mark in midfield, and he made contact with the ball, before his leg rolled over and onto the Algerian.

Referee Michael Salisbury initially chose to show the former Dynamo Kyiv defender a yellow card, before being advised by VAR to review the decision.

Salisbury then decided on second viewing, to change his decision and send off the 22-year-old.

Football Insider asked ex-PGMOL chief Hackett for his verdict, and he said:

“The challenge is reckless, but not serious foul play.

“[Illia Zabarnyi] should have been sanctioned with a yellow card, not a red card.”

Bournemouth struggle after losing key defender Illia Zabarnyi

Zabarnyi has been one half of an impenetrable backline duo, alongside Liverpool target Dean Huijsen this season.

However, following the Ukrainian’s red card, Real Madrid target Andoni Iraola was forced re-shuffle his backline, and soon after Matheus Cunha gave Wolves the lead.

The worry now for the Spanish manager will be who to pair with Huijsen when Bournemouth face off against Brighton on Tuesday (25 February), as his side look to keep their magnificent run going this season.