Keith Hackett reacts to Kepa on Pedro penalty incident in Brighton vs Bournemouth
Keith Hackett has issued his verdict on Michael Oliver’s decision to award Brighton a penalty after a foul by Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Oliver had made the correct call in awarding Brighton a penalty in the first-half.
Oliver was in charge of a tempestuous Merseyside derby, that saw three red cards when Liverpool and Everton met on 12 February.
The English referee has been scrutinised for his recent performances, and Oliver was subjected to abuse online by Arsenal fans after sending off Myles Lewis-Skelly.
However, despite commentators Ian Darke and Nigel Spackman being unconvinced about the decision to award a penalty, Oliver made the right decision according to Hackett.
Ex-PGMOL chief explains why Michael Oliver was correct to award penalty for Brighton
In the 10th minute, new signing Diego Gomez put Joao Pedro through on goal, and the Brazilian managed to poke the ball past Arrizabalaga.
The goalkeeper clumsily attempted to stop the former Watford striker from scoring, inadvertently bringing him to ground instead. Nigel Spackman suggested it was a “harsh” decision on the TNT Sports match commentary but Hackett disagrees.
| 2024/25 Premier League standings | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 27 | +38 | 64 |
| 2. Arsenal | 26 | +28 | 53 |
| 3. Nottingham Forest | 26 | +11 | 47 |
| 4. Chelsea | 27 | +15 | 46 |
| 5. Man City | 26 | +15 | 44 |
| 6. Newcastle | 26 | +10 | 44 |
| 7. Bournemouth | 27 | +13 | 43 |
| 8. Brighton | 27 | +5 | 43 |
Speaking to exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, said:
“The goalkeeper [Kepa Arrizabalaga] failed to make a challenge for the ball.
“Instead, his aim was to stop his opponent, and his actions clearly foiled his opponent.
“Correct decision by Oliver to award a penalty kick.”
Brighton earn hard-fought victory thanks to Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck
Illia Zabarnyi was controversially sent-off against Wolves on Saturday (22 February), and Brighton’s strikers Danny Welbeck and Pedro made the most of the Ukrainian’s suspension.
Without him, Liverpool transfer target Dean Huijsen looked less assured than he has previously for the Cherries, having built up a fantastic on-pitch relationship with his defensive partner.
Pedro was a constant threat in the first-half, latching on to through balls from the Seagull’s midfield, and once the Brazilian began to tire, Welbeck was able to come on and cause similar problems for the Bournemouth defence.
The former Man United striker had only been on the pitch for three minutes, and Welbeck broke in behind following a Georginio Rutter through ball to slot past Arrizabalaga.
The result puts Brighton level on points with the Cherries, only behind them on goal difference.