Keith Hackett exclusive: Shock as Robertson red card at Liverpool ‘overturned’
Keith Hackett is baffled that Andy Robertson’s red card for Liverpool may have been overturned and has urged Howard Webb to ensure referees achieve greater consistency in future decisions.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee expressed his surprise but confidence that the decision will ultimately be reversed, even though official confirmation is still pending.
Robertson received a red card during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday 14 December. The left-back was dismissed for denying a goal-scoring opportunity [DOGSO] after he brought down Harry Wilson in the first half.
The decision sparked widespread controversy online, with pundits like Gary Lineker describing it as an “extraordinary decision”.
Liverpool played most of the game with 10 men after the Scotland international’s 17th-minute sending-off but managed to salvage a point.
Remains unclear Liverpool red card had sufficient evidence for overturn
Arne Slot’s side has made headlines before due to referee controversy, with the Dutchman being accused of speaking to referees at half-time in their own dressing room. Amazon Prime later issued an apology to Slot for wrongly implicating him.
Regarding this decision, Slot expressed frustration over the dismissal of his fullback. He defended the player by stating he showed “character” throughout the game [Independent].
However, despite the coach’s praise, Hackett offered a different perspective on the incident. He can’t see any reason why Robertson shouldn’t have been sent off when all the criteria for a DOGSO appear to be satisfied.
He told Football Insider: “I understand that Robertson’s red card for the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity has been overturned.”
“The on-field referee and VAR were in unison on this decision, satisfied that the criteria for DOGSO had been fulfilled.
“I look forward to finding out what part of the DOGSO criteria the panel who overturned the decision were unhappy with.
“Was Wilson fouled? Yes.
”Direction of play towards the goal? Yes.
“Probability to control the ball? If the foul had not been committed, then Wilson would have gone on to have a shot at goal. The foul denied him that opportunity.
“Covering defenders? In my opinion, the covering defenders would not have intercepted Wilson.
“The confusion on this appears to be that the referee allowed play to continue to another forward who shot and missed. The referee should have blown the whistle at the point Robertson committed the foul.
“Note, I am looking for confirmation that Robertson’s red card has been overturned. Webb will now have to discuss this with all of his officials to ensure that they can achieve consistency if DOGSO offences going forward”.
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