‘There’s doubt’ – Keith Hackett delivers penalty verdict as Wolves vs Crystal Palace controversy re-analysed
Anthony Taylor deserves to be commended after dealing with a “very tight call” during the clash between Wolves and Crystal Palace.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee was right not to award a penalty in the Eagles’ favour on Saturday, 22 November.
Man United-linked Daniel Munoz opened the scoring after 63 minutes, finally breaking the deadlock against a resolute Old Gold defence. Yeremi Pino doubled the lead six minutes later at Molineux.
Palace want Jean-Philippe Mateta to extend his deal at Selhurst Park, but the striker had clearly forgotten his shooting boots after squandering a simple chance, by his standards, in the 16th minute.
David Moller Wolfe clashes with Ismaila Sarr on the edge of the box
Oliver Glasner‘s side could have opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes had Taylor pointed to the penalty spot, and the decision was heavily debated as players lined up outside the box.
David Moller Wolfe went sliding into a challenge on Ismaila Sarr after just 12 minutes, and the foul appeared to be right on the line of the penalty area, but a free-kick was awarded.
Of course, the Eagles were crying out for a spot-kick to be awarded, but after watching several angles of the incident, Hackett is no more sure now than he was at the beginning.
Debates will continue, even after a lengthy VAR review, but it was yet another disappointing result, despite Rob Edwards taking over as Wolves manager ahead of the game.
Why Anthony Taylor was right not to award Crystal Palace a penalty
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “We have to remember that the line is part of the penalty area. I must admit, if you’re in the VAR room, you’ve got several angles to look at.
“It’s a very tight call, but I’m actually siding with the referee on this one. It’s outside the area, not in. The reason I do that is because there’s doubt due to the angles.
“You’re better off giving a doubtful free-kick than a doubtful penalty. I’m going with the match officials, and their decision of a free-kick outside the area.”