Credit: Imago / Premier League Match Centre

'It's nonsense' - Ex-refs chief destroys Fulham-Brighton footage as Danny Welbeck goal ruled out

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

26 Jan 2026, 5:00 am

Danny Welbeck did not deserve to have his goal ruled out as Brighton fell to defeat against Fulham on Saturday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Premier League's semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) has too many flaws.

Bernd Leno was at fault for Yasin Ayari's opener, and the Seagulls would have retaken the lead through their No.18 had his goal not been ruled out for offside in the 74th minute on 24 January.

Craven Cottage was rocking after that, having equalised through Samuel Chukwueze, before Harry Wilson continued his incredible form for Fulham, firing home a long-range free-kick in the last minute.

#FULBHA – 74’ VAR OVERTURN

VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Welbeck was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/dCtySGRIAP
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 24, 2026

Danny Welbeck punished by 'inconclusive' technology

SAOT continues to cause more issues than it solves, and just weeks after Florian Wirtz's goal should have been disallowed against Fulham, red flags are being raised over the technology once again.

Arsene Wenger is keen to change the offside law, and with a perfectly good goal ruled out at Craven Cottage, voices are only growing louder when it comes to rule changes.

The Premier League Match Centre announced the reason for Welbeck's goal being chalked off. However, supporters across the division are still furious with the decision.

Danny Welbeck was left frustrated at Craven Cottage. (Credit: Imago)

Making his feelings clear on the situation, Hackett continued to blast SAOT in the Premier League, having felt that the goal deserved to stand despite the graphics showing offside.

Keith Hackett excited for the rule change proposed by Arsene Wenger

Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: "I hate goals being ruled out. The semi-automated offside technology, where is it? There's an inconsistency in it all.

"And I think the decision is inconclusive. If we're going to have technology... At Man United-Arsenal, we had a goalmouth scramble, a buzz to the referee's wrist, a small delay, but no interference.

"That's what I want from VAR and offside. The English version of SAOT is not accurate enough. Arsene Wenger has come up with 'daylight', so let's have that. Let's have goals scored, rather than ruled out for offside for toe-nail decisions. It's nonsense."

Fulham

Danny Welbeck

Brighton & Hove Albion

Keith Hackett