Keith Hackett has his say on Bristol City vs Wrexham handball controversy as footage re-analysed
Bristol City were rightly denied a penalty in the early stages of their draw against Wrexham on Wednesday despite the ball hitting Dom Hyam’s arm.
That is the verdict of former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett, who has told Football Insider that the offence was not purposeful by the Wrexham defender, so referee Ruebyn Ricardo was right to play on.
Max Bird rescued a point for Bristol City against Wrexham at Ashton Gate, with an 89th-minute stunner as the game ended 2-2.
Oliver Rathbone’s strike and an own goal from Joe Williams had twice put the Red Dragons into the lead, in between Sinclair Armstrong’s equaliser just after the interval.
The Robins felt as if they should have been given the chance to go ahead before Wrexham’s first, however, after Mark Sykes’ flick was handled by centre-back Hyam.
Dom Hyam handball did not warrant a Bristol City penalty
City attacked quickly in the 25th minute as Sykes picked up a flick-on on the edge of the box and tried to move past Hyam to get a shot off.
The Wrexham centre-back seemingly used his outstretched arm to block the ball getting past him, with several of the hosts’ players then screaming for a penalty, to no avail.
Former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Hackett believes that, while the ball did strike Hyam’s arm, referee Ricardo was right to wave play on due to it being an accidental offence.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “I do not believe that this incident should have resulted in a judgement of handball.
“The player is not attempting to handle and while the ball came into contact with him his actions were not deliberate”
- Read more: Keith Hackett reacts to Bristol City penalty controversy vs Wrexham: ‘The wrong decision was made’
Bristol City were later denied a clear penalty for Delano Burgzorg trip – ‘Wrong decision’
While Ricardo was correct in not giving the hosts a penalty for Hyam’s handball, he did deny them one that should have been given in the closing stages of the draw at Ashton Gate.
Burgzorg broke into Wrexham’s half in the 91st minute before going down under a challenge from keeper Okonkwo as he looked to take the ball around him to score.
The Robins winger was then booked for simulation by Ricardo, but Hackett told Football Insider that he should have pointed to the spot.
He said: “In the Bristol City game, the referee appeared to be well placed, but sadly made the wrong decision.
“I believe this was a foul by the goalkeeper, and the award of a penalty kick should have resulted.”