‘I can’t understand’ – Ex-refs chief fumes at Peter Bankes as Dan Burn footage re-analysed vs Nottingham Forest
Peter Bankes has no excuses for not awarding Newcastle United an obvious penalty against Nottingham Forest.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Dan Burn was clearly wrestled to the floor illegally by Morato on Sunday, 5 October.
The referee was also slammed as Bruno Guimaraes’ goal was allowed to stand despite a clash with Morgan Gibbs-White, which came shortly after the previous incident in the 54th minute.
Nick Woltemade doubled Newcastle’s lead at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe‘s 2-0 win leaving the Reds 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone.
Peter Bankes’ performance was far from ideal at St James’ Park
Bankes was criticised during Bournemouth versus Brighton last month, and the referee had another game to forget, clearly, as the Magpies sealed all three points against a struggling Ange Postecoglou.
It could, and probably should, have been even worse for the visitors after Burn was hauled to the ground inside the penalty area, but neither Bankes nor VAR showed an interest in the incident.
Both sets of supporters were left frustrated by the refereeing performance this weekend, and Hackett shares their pain after being in utter disbelief that no penalty was awarded to Newcastle.
Woltemade would eventually be allowed to score from a spot-kick after Elliot Anderson scythed down Guimaraes inside the penalty area, but Bankes still missed an important decision.
Dan Burn clearly should have won a penalty against Nottingham Forest
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Dan Burn is a player who stays on his feet, and Newcastle score goals from set-pieces on a fairly regular basis.
“In this situation, he would want to stay on his feet. He can’t because he’s being held, and therefore, this is a simple decision that should have resulted in a penalty kick. I can’t understand how Peter Bankes hasn’t seen it.
“Then VAR comes in, which means there is a clear and obvious error. If he comes in, it’s to say it’s a penalty kick. Otherwise, why has he come in? After six years, this is a procedure that VAR is still not getting right. A young referee who has only just started would give that.”