Keith Hackett reacts to Bristol City penalty controversy vs Wrexham: ‘The wrong decision was made’
Keith Hackett thinks that Bristol City should have been awarded an added-time penalty against Wrexham after Arthur Okonkwo tripped Delano Burgzorg in the area.
The former PGMOL boss and FIFA referee has exclusively told Football Insider that referee Ruebyn Ricardo incorrectly booked Burgzorg and instead should have pointed to the spot at Ashton Gate.
Bristol City and Wrexham played out an entertaining 2-2 draw on Tuesday night as the hosts twice battled back from going behind to emerge with a point.
Oliver Rathbone fired Phil Parkinson’s side ahead in the first half before Sinclair Armstrong equalised just after the interval, with a Joe Williams own goal then restoring Wrexham’s lead in the 76th minute.
Max Bird’s late long-range strike saw City restore parity and earn a point, but the Robins felt as if they should have had the chance to win it at the death as Burgzorg looked to have been taken down by Okonkwo.
Keith Hackett says Bristol City should have had a penalty for Delano Burgzorg trip
Burgzorg latched onto a long ball and broke forward 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.
Referee Ricardo immediately blew his whistle as supporters held their breath, but pointed for a Wrexham free kick and subsequently booked the Robins winger for simulation.
After re-analysing the footage, former FIFA referee Hackett believes that an incorrect call was made, and City should have had a penalty.
Speaking to Football Insider, 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.”
What are the chances of either Bristol City or Wrexham being promoted after their draw?
Bristol City and Wrexham have been in and around the Championship playoffs this season, but each currently sit outside of the top six with 14 games left to play.
A win for either side at Ashton Gate would have seen them jump ahead of sixth-placed Derby County, but the shared point means Wrexham remain seventh and behind the Rams on goal difference, while City are a point behind in ninth.
Opta‘s supercomputer is not optimistic about the chances of either side making the top six come 2 May, with Wrexham predicted to finish in eighth and given a 20.86 per cent chance of sealing a playoff place.
City are not backed to make up the gap over the next two-and-a-half months, as they are predicted to finish in 10th, and handed a 12.22 per cent chance of making the top six as it stands.