‘That was blatant’ – Brentford robbed as ex-FIFA official speaks out on Newcastle United controversy
Brentford may have felt like they should have been given two penalties in their 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Bees travelled to St. James’ Park this weekend to take on Eddie Howe’s side in an enthralling Premier League clash.
Brentford have been on the up under Keith Andrews and will have felt confident that they could steal three points against the Magpies.
Sven Botman’s first-half strike didn’t faze the visitors as Dango Outtara’s late winner sealed a dramatic comeback for the Bees.
However, Andrews will feel like the game could have been done and dusted a lot earlier in the contest.
Keith Hackett calls for penalty and red card in Brentford vs Newcastle
Keane Lewis-Potter was bearing down on goal in the second minute of the match when Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier appeared to have a hold of the forward’s shirt.
Referee Andrew Madley waved away the penalty, and VAR checked and reached the conclusion that it wasn’t a foul. The Premier League released a statement on Brentford’s penalty shout and explained why a spot kick wasn’t given.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett elaborated on his expert understanding of the game as to why Brentford should have been given a penalty, and Newcastle a red card after the incident.
Hackett said: “This was a blatant shirt pull that impacted the forward in the penalty area. This should have resulted in a penalty kick, and I would like to see a wider viewing angle to determine if a red card should be issued for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
“While subjective, I can make a clear case for a straight red card.”
What did Les Ferdinand say about the incident?
The argument may be that the controversy surrounding Brentford‘s first penalty shout was, in the end, cancelled out due to the one they were awarded before the end of the second half.
Mathias Jensen’s strike came off the arm of Jacob Murphy, but some would suggest that the Newcastle man had no chance to move his arm out of the way in time.
However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the Bees were still likely unfortunate not to have been given a spot kick after just two minutes of play.
While speaking live on Sky Sports after the incident at half-time, Les Ferdinand analysed Brentford’s first penalty shout and shared a similar opinion to that of Hackett’s.
Ferdinand said: “I think if you’re the home side, you might get that. The only reason why I could see them not giving it is that the ball hits his knee [Lewis-Potter].”
Either way, Andrews will be able to sleep well at night knowing his side served their own justice with three points.