Ex-refs chief: PGMOL should answer Richard Keys over West Ham vs Burnley outburst
Howard Webb and the PGMOL have serious questions to answer about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) after West Ham’s win over Burnley.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the television presenter made some interesting points after the clash at the London Stadium.
Zian Flemming and Callum Wilson both hit the back of the net in the first half on Saturday, 8 November, with Tomas Soucek and Kyle Walker-Peters securing the win in the second 45 minutes.
Josh Cullen pounced on an Alphonse Areola mistake to grab one back in the seventh minute of added time, but it was the first two goals which caused the most controversy due to the use of technology.
Richard Keys raises concerns over semi-automated offside technology
Flemming and Wilson both had their goals checked, with Crysencio Summerville on the edge of offside in the build-up to the latter’s, and those watching at home were only more confused by the use of SAOT.
VAR’s checks of either incident filled very few fans with confidence, with Richard Keys pointing out the difficulty of proving the accuracy of the lines.
The Champions League and Europa League systems are far more accurate and, therefore, more effective. Few supporters argue against the decisions in Europe, but more problems are occurring in England.
Taking to X (8 November), Keys wrote: “We need to see these graphics directly in line – across the pitch – as we do in the Champions League. I don’t see the point of this. How can we be sure these are accurate?”
Howard Webb urged to respond after West Ham vs Burnley controversies
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about Keys’ concerns over the use of SAOT in the Premier League, saying, “Richard Keys is extremely competent when it comes to the knowledge of technology.
“I support his view, and I’ve seen nothing that disproves what he’s saying. Now, it’s down to the PGMOL and the English Premier League to answer the claims that Richard has made.
“Justify the system and its accuracy. Is it in operation in every game of the English Premier League? Has every game been covered?”