Ex-PGMOL chief re-analyses Sheffield United vs Wolves penalty controversy - ‘Fans are right to feel aggrieved’
Wolverhampton Wanderers should have received a penalty during their 1-0 victory over Sheffield United on the weekend.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that a spot-kick should have been awarded after the ball appeared to strike Mark McGuinness’ hand.
A late Raul Jimenez strike would eventually win Wolves the three points at Bramall Lane to get the visitors back to winning ways.
However, the Old Gold side were adamant that they should have had the opportunity to take the lead at the start of the second half when Mateus Mane’s attempted pass appeared to hit the hand of McGuinness inside the box.
Yet, referee Rob Jones did not award a penalty, which nearly robbed Wolves of the chance to claim a victory.
Now, Hackett has claimed that this incident should have resulted in a penalty as the player deliberating makes his body larger.
Wolves should have been awarded a penalty against Sheffield United
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why he believed that Wolves should have been awarded a penalty during their 1-0 victory against Sheffield United.
He said: “The player has deliberately made his body shape larger and makes movement towards the ball. This is a handball offence and Wolves fans are right to feel aggrieved that a penalty kick was not awarded.
“In fairness to Rob Jones I am not so certain that he had the viewing angle to see this offence.
“No VAR so these errors will take place.”
Wolves’ victory vs Sheffield United is their biggest result of the season
In the end, Wolves managed to find a way to beat Sheffield United, and it is easily their most important victory of the campaign to date.
After failing to win either of their previous two matches, a win was vital for the club and Cesar Peixoto to prove why they are promotion favourites.
On top of this, the clean sheet is also a massive confidence boost for the backline after failing to keep a clean sheet in the Championship in any of their prior matches this season.
Now, if Wolves can beat West Bromwich Albion next weekend, optimism around the club will be at a high, and it will put them in an excellent position to beat Middlesbrough after the international break.