Jude Bellingham: Keith Hackett drops ‘reckless’ verdict as footage analysed
Keith Hackett believes Ireland were the victims of a “harsh” red card against England during their 5-0 thrashing on Sunday (17 November).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA and Premier League referee revealed he thought it was a “really cheap yellow card” to give Liam Scales for his sending-off.
The Ireland international fouled Jude Bellingham in the box, which led to his second yellow card and a decision that ultimately changed the course of the entire game.
Harry Kane opened the scoring from the subsequent penalty, and England took full advantage of having an extra man by winning the game 5-0.
However, while Hackett backed the decision to award the Three Lions with a penalty he felt Ireland should have still retained 11 men on the pitch.
Keith Hackett felt Ireland were harshly treated against England
Hackett told Football Insider, “For me, this can be deemed a careless challenge.
“This is a really cheap yellow card, I would have liked to have seen the referee just award a penalty kick.
“There are covering defenders.
“The challenge is careless rather than reckless, and he’s not taking the goalscoring opportunity away, so for me a penalty kick is sufficient – he didn’t need to issue a second yellow card.
“I always advise referees to go more towards orange for the second yellow card.
“The player was unlucky he had a referee who was consistent and strict in his interpretation of the law.
“For me, it’s harsh.”
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