Keith Hackett reacts to new angle of penalty controversy in Sheffield Wednesday loss vs Middlesbrough
Sheffield Wednesday should have been awarded a late penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in an all-Championship clash.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Boro’s Aidan Morris clearly handled the ball inside the area in the 75th minute.
As Max Lowe attempted to break into the 18-yard box, referee David Webb awarded a free-kick in the opposite direction, but Wednesday fans are absolutely certain that no foul was committed.
Instead, replays show Morris hooking the ball back onto the pitch, likely in an attempt not to concede a corner, footage which is now infuriating fans after Henrik Pedersen’s side lost 1-0 on Wednesday, 22 April.
Sheffield Wednesday cry out for penalty at the Riverside Stadium
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said: “They have cause for complaint. The player clearly handled the ball, and this should have resulted in a penalty kick.
“The hand, when falling, went ahead of the ball, and the player scooped it, in what I can only believe was a deliberate act. The difference here is that when falling, the hand had landed on top of the ball.
“Then, I would not award a penalty kick.”
| Middlesbrough | vs | Sheffield Wednesday |
| 61% | Possession | 39% |
| 18 | Shots | 8 |
| 4 | Shots on target | 1 |
| 1 | Big chances missed | 0 |
| 10 | Fouls committed | 19 |
| 9 | Corners | 1 |
Sadly for the Owls, Morgan Whittaker’s first-half strike made all the difference at the Riverside Stadium, a goal which all but confirms their spot in the Championship play-offs this season.
Henrik Pedersen continues to prove his talents despite defeat
Before facing Boro, the Owls were unbeaten in three matches, drawing against Leicester City, who are also now relegated to League One, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic.
With everything going on behind the scenes at Hillsborough, there is very little certainty at the club right now, but the manager has proven that he can be a constant for Wednesday, even next season.
Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, has backed Pedersen to keep the Wednesday job in League One, even if he has won just three of his 48 games in charge since July 2025.
Given the point deductions, the Owls were always going to be in a precarious position this term, so it is all about how they bounce back next season following their relegation from the Championship.
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