Nottingham Forest news: Ex-Fifa official stunned by referee blunder as controversial Wayne Hennessey image emerges
Keith Hackett has admitted he felt “uneasy” VAR was needed to send Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey in Wales’ 2-0 loss to Iran in the World Cup last week (25 November).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Mario Escobar was waiting for the “lifebelt” of VAR to rescue him.
The Guatemalan referee initially showed Hennessey a yellow card when he planted his knee into the face of Mehdi Taremi when trying to stop an Iran attack.
After reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, he overturned his decision and sent Hennessey off.
Danny Ward came on and conceded two late goals and started the 3-0 loss to England on Tuesday (30 November) as Hennessey served a suspension.
“I have to tell you, I think that was pretty poor refereeing,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I was surprised that he saw that challenge as reckless when the knee was in the air. I think he had a sufficient view to see that was a red card.
“I think he issued a yellow card and was expecting the lifebelt to be thrown, as it was, and VAR came in.
“The outcome was the correct decision for sure, he had to go. I was uneasy that needed VAR to make such a big call.”
Hennessey will be available for Wales’ next competitive international game as players only have to serve a one-game suspension for a red card at the World Cup.
The 35-year-old moved to Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in the summer and has kept clean sheets in his two appearances for the club in the League Cup.
In other news, Dean Henderson should be banned as controversial Nottingham Forest footage emerges.