Hackett: VAR made major Lascelles error in Newcastle clash
Keith Hackett has claimed he would not have awarded Aston Villa a penalty for Jamal Lascelles’ handball in their 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee claimed Lascelles did not have enough time to move his arm before the ball hit it.
The Newcastle captain was punished when Tyrone Migs’ header from just yards away struck his arm.
The incident went unnoticed by the referee before it was given as a penalty after a VAR review.
As quoted by NUFC TV, Steve Bruce questioned whether the original decision was a “clear and obvious error”.
Anwar El Ghazi converted the subsequent spot-kick to score Villa’s second goal of the game.
Asked for his assessment of the incident, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “What we’ve got to understand is the word deliberate.
“Deliberate handball has been once again emphasised by the powers that be, the IFAB.
“Yet, at the same time, they clarify the other aspect and are almost saying ‘If the arm is outstretched it’s making the body shape deliberately bigger and as a result will be penalised’.
“If we look at the referee and his judgement on making the body shape bigger, that’s what he has done because his arm is hanging out there, wide left.
“The other aspect is, was that player able to get his arm away? Again, this is the difficulty of refereeing. I personally think it was too close and the player didn’t have a chance. It was a snap situation. I don’t think it was a deliberate action at all.
“This is where the referee’s judgement came in and we’re going to have disagreements over this.”
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