Hackett slams inconsistency ‘soft’ Richards red in Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth
Keith Hackett slammed referee Samuel Barrott for an “unacceptable level of inconsistency” after showing Crystal Palace ace Chris Richards a red card against Bournemouth.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the decision not to punish Alex Scott for a similar infraction earlier meant Richards should not have been sent off.
In terms of attacking threat in the match between Palace and Bournemouth, there was none.
However, that didn’t mean there was a lack of excitement in the clash between two sides still holding out hopes of qualifying for European football.
Referee Samuel Barrott chose to be lenient following Scott’s foul on out-of-form Ismaila Sarr in the 36th minute, seemingly keen on giving the game every chance of coming alive by keeping all 22 men on the field.
But then, just nine minutes later, the referee made an inexplicable decision, sending off Richards for a seemingly innocuous challenge.
Crystal Palace ace Chris Richards sent off for pull-back on Justin Kluivert
With the match nearing halftime, Justin Kluivert broke forward with the ball and skipped past Maxence Lacroix.
Sensing danger, USA international, Richards grabbed the Dutchman by the wrist momentarily, sending him twirling like a ballerina, before the 25-year-old tumbled to the floor.
His theatrics weren’t done there, as he leapt from the ground with both arms outstretched, appealing to referee Barrott.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Richards |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Starts | 18 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes | 1,564 |
Surprisingly, the referee seemed inclined to agree with Kluivert’s complaints, and summarily showed a stunned Richards a second yellow card.
The foul was a silly one to make, but having seen Barrott show leniency to Scott for a similar, and more physically aggressive challenge, Richards was justified in thinking he would only receive a talking to.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Chris Richards red card
Having reviewed the footage, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett was scathing in his review of Barrott’s decision, telling Football Insider exclusively:
“Sadly, this referee, who has performed well throughout the season, has demonstrated an unacceptable level of inconsistency.
“If he believes that this challenge warranted a second yellow, then so did the first [Scott’s foul on Sarr].
“On this one, that resulted in a second yellow, the forward went to ground too easily, and the actions of running towards the referee are unacceptable.
“A soft second yellow.”