Hackett Exclusive: ‘Massive thank you’ to Jamie Vardy after Leicester incident
Leicester City star Jamie Vardy has been issued major thanks by Keith Hackett for his actions in his side’s clash with Southampton.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the striker showed “initiative” to stop the game following an injury to referee David Webb.
Leicester claimed a 2-0 win over Southampton as the Premier League’s bottom two teams went head to head at the King Power Stadium on Saturday (3 May).
However, the game was subject to a long delay early in the first half, as Webb was left needing to be replaced after some lengthy treatment.
Jordan Ayew clashes with David Webb
With 17 minutes on the clock, Vardy had put Leicester 1-0 up to atone for his missed penalty against Wolves last weekend.
Just moments after that, as he looked to chase down a loose ball, Jordan Ayew ran across the path of Webb, accidentally catching him in the face with his elbow.
The referee then immediately went to ground holding his head, at which point Vardy ran over to the official to blow the whistle as it was still in Webb’s hand to help stop play.
| Jamie Vardy vs Southampton | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Accurate Passes | 5/7 |
| Duels Won | 1/2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
There was then a 12-minute delay as he received treatment, with fourth official Sam Barrott taking over as referee.
Meanwhile, referees assessor Phil Sharpe would step in as fourth official until half time, when he was replaced by another assistant referee in the form of Akil Howson.
Hackett has now praised Vardy for his actions in bringing the game to a halt, while also assessing the delay before the action resumed between Leicester and Southampton.
Leicester City star hailed for stopping game
After being asked by Football Insider what he made of Vardy’s actions and the length of the subsequent delay, Hackett said:
“A massive thank you to Jamie Vardy for having the initiative to stop the game. This was David Webb’s first Premier League game so it’s a real shame that he gets injured.
“Obviously with the goal line technology system he needs to exchange the watch and make certain it works.
“The setting up of the communication kit is essential in order to be able to talk and listen in to [VAR at] Stockley Park.
“Philip Sharpe is a former assistant referee so familiar with the communication kit. [It is] essential that the system works so I understand the delays.”
Ayew would then go on to make it 2-0 to Leicester shortly before half time, ensuring the Foxes ended a run of nine straight league games without a goal or a win.