‘Obvious’: Ex-ref slams Sam Smith missed red card in Wrexham v Southampton controversy
Wrexham should have been down to 10 players during their dramatic defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
That is the view of ex-FIFA referee and former boss of the PGMOL Keith Hackett who has been highly-critical of the missed call.
Kieffer Moore was brought down by Ronnie Edwards for an early penalty on Saturday, 9 August, with new signing Josh Windass tucking the chance away from 12 yards.
Phil Parkinson‘s side appeared to be heading for three points before the inspired substitutions of Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens saw two goals in six minutes to turn the tide for the Saints.
However, matters could have been even worse for the Red Dragons, who survived multiple scares during the 90 minutes, with referee James Bell missing a very clear incident, much to Southampton‘s frustrations.
Sam Smith avoids ‘clear’ penalty v Southampton
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Replays showed Sam Smith clearly pulling on Joshua Quarshie’s shirt in the penalty area, with the centre-back baffled at how the decision had not been given in his favour.
Of course, Southampton would have been used to VAR technology last season as they were relegated from the Premier League, but referee James Bell was forced to use his own eyes and the officials around him.
Bell was praised in the first half for his confidence in awarding a penalty against Edwards, only for him to miss a clear decision against Wrexham, and also miss a sending-off in the process.
Luckily, the Saints were able to complete the comeback in front of their home supporters, with both goals coming in injury time at the end of the game, but a red card would have made things much simpler.
Referee James Bell misses ‘big decision’ against Wrexham
“That was a clear penalty kick for holding, and if the referee had applied the correct decision, then the follow-up should have been a red card for the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
“Referee James Bell, up to this point, was officiating well. However, getting these big decisions right is important.”
The Saints will be aiming for promotion straight back to the Premier League under Will Still, now turning their attention to Northampton Town in the EFL Cup before facing Ipswich Town on Sunday, 17 August.