‘There is a myth…’ – Ex-refs chief reacts to penalty controversy in Norwich vs Southampton
James Bell had his hands tied after Southampton were awarded a first-half penalty against Norwich City on Saturday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee was correct in awarding a spot-kick after Leo Scienza was fouled on 13 December.
Supporters at Carrow Road were forced to wait for a goal, with Jovon Makama‘s brace and Ryan Manning’s thunderbolt all coming in the second half, with one major chance missed.
Adam Armstrong has been in sensational form for Southampton, but it was the striker who missed from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after Scienza was hauled down by Harry Darling.
The central defender was baffled by the decision, with the Saints attacker already taking his shot and missing, but according to a former PGMOL chief, the referee was left with no other choice.
James Bell spot-on to award Southampton penalty at Carrow Road
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that supporters believe in a “myth” when it comes to late challenges, praising Bell for his decision at Carrow Road.
“There is a myth that if you play the ball first, then you cannot be penalised. The reality here is that the defender has fouled his opponent, and the decision by the referee is correct,” the former referee said.
Another controversial incident popped up with the Canaries’ winner. Makama’s second goal appeared to hit his hand, tricking the goalkeeper, and Hackett believes the goal should have been ruled out.
The defeat for the Saints leaves them four points outside of the play-off spots, with Philippe Clement‘s team now just three points from safety, bagging just their second win since August.
The Canaries could still be relegated this season
After the previous fixtures, Opta’s supercomputer predicted that Norwich and Portsmouth could join Sheffield Wednesday in the finalised relegation spots, but there is plenty of time for twists.
Both of those clubs managed wins on Saturday, with Portsmouth defeating Blackburn Rovers, and the Canaries winning their fourth game of the entire league campaign.
There appears to be more confidence in the air since Clement’s arrival at Carrow Road. Yet, relegation remains a massive fear, and it will take a lot more consistency to secure safety.
Had their second goal been ruled out, the game would have been even more interesting, but with so many key incidents, there was already plenty for the officials to keep an eye on.