Hackett rules on Ola Aina VAR controversy as Nottingham Forest lose v Newcastle
Keith Hackett has given his verdict on Jarred Gillett’s decision to award a penalty against Nottingham Forest as they lost 4-3 to Newcastle.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Australian referee had made the correct decision, after a VAR intervention.
Nick Pope was caught out-of-position by Callum Hudson-Odoi, giving the Tricky Trees a lead in the sixth minute.
The Magpies’ fightback was fast and efficient, scoring in the 23rd, 25th, 33rd and 34th minute to give Newcastle a 4-1 lead at half-time.
However, Forest fans felt aggrieved by the referee’s decision to give a penalty against Aina, and the decision was only made after a lengthy VAR delay.
Ex-PGMOL chief reveals Ola Aina handball decision correct in Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle
Following a fightback from Newcastle, Forest were pinned in their own half, struggling to deal with the home side’s control of the ball.
Lewis Hall whipped a cross into the box in the 28th minute, and Aina leapt high, blocking the ball.
Gillett decided against giving a penalty initially, but was called over to the monitor by VAR, eventually giving the spot-kick that Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak converted, a full five minutes after the initial appeals.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, said:
“The Forest player [Aina] turned and jumped, to prevent the ball entering the penalty area.
“It struck an arm at the elbow which was extended from the body.
| Stats | Newcastle | Nottingham Forest |
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Expected goals | 2.91 | 1.79 |
| Total shots | 13 | 17 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 5 |
| Big chances (missed) | 4 (2) | 4 (2) |
“Penalty kick was the correct decision from referee Jarred Gillett, after the correct intervention by VAR Peter Bankes.“
Whilst some Forest fans were frustrated with the decision, Hackett put to bed any claims that Aina’s arm was in a natural position, siding with the referee and his VAR team.
Nottingham Forest continue up-and-down form as Champions League chase continues
The loss to Newcastle will leave Forest fans nervously looking over the shoulder, with a pack of teams finding form and narrowing the gap.
Man City, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all within five points of the Garibaldis, and they face Arsenal in their next Premier League game on Wednesday (28 February).
Elliot Anderson performed well against Newcastle, however, Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping for a better performance from Aina against Arsenal.