‘That’s the killer’ – Ex-PGMOL boss reacts to Morgan Rogers controversy in Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
Morgan Rogers had no leg to stand on after being punished by John Brooks during Aston Villa’s thrashing of Bournemouth.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the England international could have no complaints after giving away a penalty at Villa Park.
Emi Buendia was likened to Gareth Bale as the Argentine opened the scoring from a free-kick before Amadou Onana doubled the Villans’ lead ahead of the half-time break on Sunday, 9 November.
Unsurprisingly, Ollie Watkins was invisible yet again, meaning Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen netted instead to secure all three points against a flying Cherries team.
Antoine Semenyo spurns chance to drag Bournemouth back into the game
Antoine Semenyo has been on fire for Bournemouth, but it was the highly sought-after winger who missed from the penalty spot after Rogers was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area.
This occurred in the 65th minute, with the Villans only two goals ahead at this point, but Emi Martinez stepped up with an amazing save to deny the Cherries any chance of a comeback away from home.
Rogers, who has put pen to paper on a new contract at Villa Park, was already on a yellow card after a very early challenge on Evanilson, but the handball was clearly completely accidental.
Watching the incident again, Hackett is certain that a penalty kick was the right decision, with all referees needing to view this incident and agree on the outcome.
Morgan Rogers cannot complain about penalty decision against Aston Villa
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the penalty decision against Villa, the former referee said: “It’s a clear handball for me. I don’t think there are any doubts about him fulfilling the criteria.
“The hand is outstretched, and his movement of the arm and hand towards the ball is there. That’s the killer, where the referee has no escape. I want everybody to recognise this as a good decision, not in a grey area.”
“Everyone is worried about the handball law because it’s too subjective. It can fail to take into account the natural movement. Sometimes, the hand and arm might be extended away from the body, but it’s a natural position because of a semi-spinning movement.
“That is why professional referees need to come together in regular meetings to discuss these handball incidents. Put them in a box. When we see decisions like this, which is 100% a penalty kick, a correct decision, put it in a box.”