Ex-refs chief drops Coventry vs Newcastle penalty verdict as footage re-analysed

Newcastle United goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek can have no excuses after conceding an early penalty against Coventry City.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that claims of a touch on the ball were "questionable" at best.

Despite the Sky Blues' early form, Frank Lampard's side took an early lead from the penalty spot at the CBS Arena on Monday, 12 October.

Jack Rudoni made no mistake from 12 yards after Sidiki Cherif was brought down by Newcastle's young goalkeeper, but it was a rather theatric fall.

Any suggestions that Coventry's No.49 dived to win the penalty, though, have been squashed by a very experienced former referee.

It was Hornicek's own mistake that caused the incident in the first place, and despite trying to make amends, it just ended in a worse situation.

Lukas Hornicek has nowhere to hide vs Coventry City

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett denied any claims that Cherif dived, and praised referee John Brooks for the decision instead.

"The goalkeeper, in trying to make amends for his initial goalkeeping error, panics and makes a careless challenge on his opponent," he said.

"Even with the claims of a slight touch on the ball, which is questionable, the goalkeeper fouls his opponent.

"The penalty kick awarded by referee John Brooks was the correct decision."

Lampard's players took a lot of confidence from the early goal, going on to win 4-1, only handed a minor setback by Sven Botman's long-range effort.

Which players must Matthias Jaissle axe?

While Ewen Jaouen is sidelined until December, Jaissle still has Nick Pope available to him. Hornicek could be axed against Aston Villa.

Supporters are adamant that Jacob Murphy should be nowhere near the lineup, and the same goes for Matias Fernandez-Pardo if he remains a striker.

The new signing has failed to impress as a lone centre-forward, with many wanting to see him come off the left flank in a more creative role instead.

Joe Willock shouldn't be starting against the Villans either. Of course, Lewis Miley would much prefer to be playing in midfield, but a lack of full-back options has impacted that.