‘Unacceptable’ – Ex-refs chief hits out at Fulham vs Arsenal incident that went against PGMOL’s rules
Howard Webb and the PGMOL must consult Fulham following players’ actions, as a penalty call on Bukayo Saka was reviewed by Anthony Taylor.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that it was “unacceptable” to see the referee crowded at the pitch-side monitor at Craven Cottage.
Taylor made some key mistakes as Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal side claimed all three points in a narrow 1-0 win over the Cottagers on Saturday, 18 October, but changing his decision about a penalty was not one of them.
Viktor Gyokeres was unfortunate not to be awarded a spot-kick after being brought down in the penalty area, but it was the game’s biggest incident that caused the most debate after full-time.
Bukayo Saka’s penalty overturned after a lengthy VAR check
In the 65th minute, Saka went tumbling down in the penalty area, and after a challenge from Kevin, a spot-kick was awarded. After a lengthy review, however, it was overturned.
While Taylor reviewed several angles at the pitch-side monitor before announcing his decision to the anxious fans, a crowd of players formed behind him, and Hackett was having none of it.
The handful of players did not budge as the referee turned around to change his decision, and in addition to that, the fourth official did very little to break up the group during the process.
Fulham could now be expecting to hear from the Premier League, or at least Hackett, the former head of the PGMOL, hopes this will be the case.
Howard Webb must address key issue after VAR controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It was a very difficult decision. From Taylor’s point of view, I can understand why he awarded a penalty kick. Initially, I was surprised that VAR came in.
“When I saw a different angle, you can clearly see that the player winning the ball, VAR coming in, and Anthony Taylor turning the decision over.
“When the referee goes to view the pitch-side monitor, no players or staff of either club should be anywhere near the monitor. Therefore, what happened on Saturday was unacceptable, outside the criteria of operation.
“The Premier League and PGMOL must consult with the home team to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future. The risk here is influence, added pressure.
“This top-class referee has his back to the players, and they don’t need to be involved in the interrogation process. The referee needs space to go through a difficult process.
“I do want the Premier League and PGMOL to ensure the protocol is delivered on. I hope this is being looked at today. It should not be allowed in the future.”