Keith Hackett issues Swansea appeal claim amid ‘doubt’ on Sheffield Utd incident
Keith Hackett has questioned whether Swansea City defender Harry Darling should have been sent off in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that a yellow card may have been a fair punishment for the 25-year-old.
Chris Wilder’s Blades side came from a goal down to secure the victory in Wales on Tuesday night (21 January).
They were though given something of a helping hand in doing that after Darling was sent off for the hosts, and Hackett believes Sheffield United may have been fortunate to get that man advantage.
Harry Darling sending off for Swansea may have been harsh
With Swansea leading 1-0 at half-time in that match, the visitors had levelled things up through Brewster just two minutes after the re-start.
Just moments later, the Sheffield United striker was left writhing on the ground in apparent pain after being caught by Darling on the halfway line, which then led to a scuffle on the pitch involving players from both sides.
After several seconds considering his decision, referee Dean Whitestone elected to show a red card to the Swans defender.
Hackett though feels that may have been a harsh decision, even if he feels the challenge was reckless.
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision to send Darling off against Sheffield United, the former referee said:
“I do think that there is an element of doubt that this is a serious foul play challenge. The challenge for me is reckless and a yellow card would have been an appropriate sanction.
“Experienced referee Dean Whitestone had to immediately deal with the confrontation and that may just have pushed his verdict towards red. There is a degree of subjectivity in this decision so I doubt there is any route for an appeal. However, Swansea may consider appealing.”
Harrison Burrows would later score a penalty to secure victory for Sheffield United, who moved top of the Championship table with this win.
Luke Williams’ Swansea, who were involved in a feisty derby defeat to Cardiff at the weekend remain mid-table in the standings, and are winless in their last five games in all competitions.
Football Insider understands they are one of the Championship clubs interested in signing Luis Palma from Celtic this month as they look to improve their fortunes.
In other news, Sheffield United are in advanced talks to sign a Leicester City player.
For more Sheffield United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.