Ex-FIFA official: Brandon Thomas-Asante faces retrospective ban as 'dangerous' West Brom footage emerges
Keith Hackett has insisted West Brom striker Brandon Thomas-Asante will face retrospective action for his "dangerous" elbow on Chesterfield defender Jeff King.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed the 24-year-old "deliberately" used his elbow as a "weapon" during the 3-3 FA Cup draw on Saturday (7 January).
As seen in footage from the Match of the Day Twitter account (7 January) Thomas-Asante appeared to swing an elbow at Chesterfield defender Jeff King - leaving the full-back in need of treatment.
Match officials missed the incident and the Baggies striker scored a crucial equaliser just moments later to take the tie to a replay at The Hawthorns.
VAR was not in operation at Chesterfield's Technique Stadium as only Premier League grounds could make use of the technology.
Thomas-Asante's brace on Saturday takes him to 12 strikes in 26 appearances this season.
When asked if the forward could face retrospective action, Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Oh yeah.
“You cannot allow this type of offence if you are the footballing authorities.
“The elbow is a dangerous tool for a player to use, and he's used it as a weapon. From what I saw, it was a deliberate action.
“If the FA don’t charge him, and no action is taken – then that is a dereliction of duty.
“I know there is a reluctance from the FA to referee the game, but on this occasion they have to. There was no chance of the referee seeing it.”