Keith Hackett explodes at refs ‘holiday camp’ after Sunderland vs Watford incident
Keith Hackett has blasted the leadership within refereeing circles following an incident in the Championship match between Sunderland and Watford.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that more accountability is needed for errors over big decisions.
The two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (8 February), although both will have wanted the win as they chase potential promotion to the Premier League.
Hackett though, believes Sunderland will be furious they were not given a penalty that would have boosted their chances of claiming all three points.
Sunderland denied penalty after James Abankwah grapple with Wilson Isidor
With Sunderland taking an early lead through Luke O’Nien, there were claims Watford boss Tom Cleverley would be far from happy with the start his side made.
The Hornets did however rally, with a penalty from Tom Dele-Bashiru and an Imran Louza wonder goal putting them 2-1 by the 47th minute.
As the hosts went in search of an equaliser they were left frustrated at being denied what many seemingly feel was a clear penalty.
As a cross went into the box, Watford defender James Abankwah clearly wrapped both arms around Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor – who has been involved in other controversial moments this season.
With Abankwah pulling him back, Isidor was unable to reach the ball to take a shot on goal or create a chance to set up a teammate.
Referee Rob Jones though elected not to award a penalty, something which has left Hackett stunned over the way officials are being managed by PGMOL.
Keith Hackett hits out over Sunderland penalty denial
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision not to penalise Abankwah for his holding on Isidor, the former referee said:
“If that is not sustained holding… I mean just don’t know why referees are not punishing these sort of things. That’s clearly an offence. There’s no question about it.
“If you’re Sunderland you’re going to be aggrieved. And if you’re the referee, looking at that which he should do post match, he must ask himself why hasn’t he penalised that.
“We’ve looked at others that have gone under the banner of soft where they have been penalised and so the whole argument here is, what training, leadership and direction are they getting when they reach the top level of the game, in terms of the interpretation of the law.
“I used to sit the guys in a room, and we’d play countless video clips and we’d say ‘right are we all agreed this is a pull? Are we all agreed this is handball? Right this is what we’re going to do, and if you don’t, you going to sit on your hands the following week’.
“I don’t think that type of leadership and direction, with consequences, to the referee if he fails to deliver are in, it’s run like a holiday camp.
“I don’t see how the referee can be happy, if he reviews this video that he’s not seen that offence and penalised it. If you’re a Sunderland fan and you’re looking what are you thinking?
“I think the reason they’re doing it I might add, taking these approaches within the game is because they’re getting away with it, and it’s impacting on the game.”
Following that draw, Regis Le Bris’ side sit fourth in the Championship table, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
Watford meanwhile are tenth in the second-tier standings, three points behind the top six as things stand.