Ex-PGMOL chief dismisses fan misconception as Kevin Danso sent off for Tottenham vs Chelsea

Kevin Danso left referee Alex King no other choice but to send him off in Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season clash with Chelsea.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the official couldn't simply ignore the laws of the game because it was a friendly.

The Austrian international was subbed on at half-time on Saturday, 1 August, only to be walking back down the tunnel four minutes later.

It set the second half up for a rather one-sided affair, though, after opening goals from Sandro Tonali and Estevao, it was Roberto De Zerbi's side who eventually prevailed.

Despite Danso dragging Joao Pedro to the floor, denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, Richarlison scored in the dying embers to claim a 2-1 win over the Blues.

Some supporters accused the referee of ruining the pre-season friendly with his decision in the 49th minute, but Hackett has leapt to his defence.

Keith Hackett supporters Kevin Danso red card vs Chelsea

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett supported the referee, who must "apply the law correctly and accurately" in each and every game.

"Fans have to realise is that referees have to, even in friendly matches, apply the law correctly and accurately," he said.

"There's a misnomer amongst fans is the point I want to make about friendly matches. Because from a refereeing perspective, there are no friendly games.

"They have to apply the law. When we look at denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, it's a judgment call that the referee has to take.

"It's the probability of that player controlling the ball who's heading the direction of play, and then the potential impact of a defender.

"That's where I think there might be a question on this; is that covering defender likely to have an impact? And that's where it's a subjective decision.

"Occasionally, you will get an overturn because of the position of the players. But players have to understand they can't do things outside the law when they're doing friendly matches."

What's the latest on Danso's future?

Danso's future is likely to be a bigger talking point in the remainder of the summer window, especially after his red card against Chelsea.

With Cristian Romero expected to leave and Micky van de Ven yet to return from holiday, Ben Davies, Jan Paul van Hecke and Danso have been given chances.

With Marcos Senesi also yet to be added to the squad, there is a serious lack of room for some of these players, so big questions need to be asked.

Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic have both sought exits, but it remains to be seen if Danso will be next or if he will be kept as back-up for De Zerbi's side.