Hackett issues VAR verdict as controversial Man United footage emerges
Keith Hackett has heaped praise on VAR for intervening and ordering Watford to retake a penalty in their 4-1 win over Man United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted VAR has had a positive impact on penalties.
Watford were awarded a spot-kick when Scott McTominay dragged down Joshua King inside the penalty area.
Ismaila Sarr’s penalty was saved by David de Gea before Kiko Femina scored from the rebound.
VAR spotted Femina was in the penalty area when Sarr struck the ball so it had to be retaken, as shown in footage broadcast on Match of the Day.
Sarr hit an almost identical penalty that was again saved by De Gea.
“It was handled correctly,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“That was the younger David Coote, relatively speaking, as the VAR and the more experienced John Moss. They got it spot on.
“That’s what VAR brings. That’s what players have to understand, it’s not just the match referee.
“In the past, we’ve had a couple of things to watch. Goalkeeper encroachment, which was left to the assistant referee, and encroachment into the penalty area.
“Sometimes it doesn’t get punished but this was positive that it did get punished and a retake was ordered.
“The penalty kick from Ismaila Sarr, oh dear. We criticise referees but they were two poor penalty attempts.”
With the game goalless at the time of the incident, it could have come back to haunt Watford.
Instead, goals from King, Sarr, Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis helped the hosts record a comfortable victory.
In other news, Man United are to hold talks with a 56-year-old today and he could get the job permanently.