Wolves vs Bristol City controversy: Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to penalty footage
Bristol City would have been “very lucky” to be given a penalty in their FA Cup third round defeat to Wolves, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that a challenge from Andre on Haydon Roberts inside the area was a “natural part of the game”.
Vitor Pereira saw his Premier League side avoid a potential upset against Championship opposition with a 2-1 win over the Robins on Saturday (11 January).
Hackett has now also played down any suggestions that Wolves should have been denied that win by a late penalty shout against them at Ashton Gate.
Wolves rightly avoid Bristol City penalty – Keith Hackett
With 78 minutes on the clock and the hosts looking for an equaliser, Roberts picked up a clearance just inside the Premier League club’s area.
After a heavy touch from the Bristol City man saw the ball run loose, Andre moved in to make a decisive clearance for Wolves.
Having done so, he then caught the top of Roberts’ foot on the follow through, sending the opposition to the ground.
Referee Rob Jones elected against awarding a penalty despite appeals from some of those a Bristol City persuasion, and Hackett believes he was right to do so.
Speaking to Football Insider about whether Wolves should have conceded a penalty in that incident, the former referee said:
“I think that’s a natural coming together in terms of the game. No case. I think that’s a natural part of football.
“I think the player’s looking upfield to clear the ball, I don’t think he’s actually hooking the man. I think it’s just one of those coming togethers in football, they’d be very lucky to get a penalty kick there.”
For the time being, Wolves will now be returning their focus to their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and strengthening their side in the January transfer window.
They will no doubt also be keen to resolve the future of key players such as Matheus Cunha, before their fourth round clash at Championship side Blackburn Rovers in early February.
In other news, Wolves and Ipswich Town open “preliminary” striker talks.
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