‘Joao Pedro committed a violent act’ & should get extended Brighton ban – Hackett
Keith Hackett believes that Brighton midfielder Joao Pedro should have been sent off for attempting to elbow Brentford’s Yehor Yarmoliuk during their goalless draw on Saturday (28 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief, ex-FIFA, and Premier League referee believes that it was a “clear violent act” by the 23-year-old.
Pedro attempted to elbow Yarmoliuk when they came together in the middle of the pitch, but he missed with his connection.
The Seagulls star blatantly threw back his elbow, but he received no punishment for the incident due to the fact he didn’t technically hit his opponent.
Brighton star Joao Pedro used his elbow as a weapon
Hackett told Football Insider, “I mean, that was a red card.
“In law, you don’t have to make contact in order to commit a violent act.
“The deliberate elbow that missed, it was a sending-off offence and you can’t justify it.
“This was a clear violent act, the player using a bent elbow with force as a weapon.
“The fact that it missed and failed to injure a player is not a consideration.
“I am surprised and disappointed that an experienced referee Chris Kavanagh sitting in the VAR chair did not help and advise referee Andy Madley to visit the monitor.”
In other news, Exclusive: Brighton preparing to recall Carl Rushworth, new deal lined up.
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