Keith Hackett hits out at chiefs as Arsenal-Chelsea controversy analysed
Keith Hackett is “disappointed” by the decision to push back the launch of a semi-automated offside system in the Premier League after Arsenal-Chelsea controversy.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League official believes it was “good officiating” to rule out Kai Havertz’s goal against Chelsea despite the lack of the semi-automated system.
The Arsenal forward thought he had opened the score in the first half, but the goal was eventually ruled offside, which Hackett felt was the correct decision.
However, Hackett does wish that the semi-automated offside system had been in place for a situation like this, which would have led to a much quicker decision being made.
This system was first introduced for the Champions League group stage games in 2022-23 and was also used at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, but the Premier League delayed the introduction until next year.
Keith Hackett wants the Premier League to introduce semi-automated offsides
Asked about the Havertz incident, Hackett told Football Insider, “There’s no question this is good officiating from the VAR team.
“The interesting bit from the Premier League is that we’ve been promised a semi-automated system to be introduced and thought it would be in certainly be the end of November at the latest.
“But that has now been pushed back to next year, that is a disappointment.”
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