‘Wow’ – Ex-PGMOL chief loves what ‘outstanding’ Thomas Kirk did in Crystal Palace vs Wolves
Thomas Kirk should be commended for his refereeing style following his treatment of Will Hughes in Crystal Palace’s win over Wolves.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Palace‘s No.19 could have easily been sent off at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 22 February.
The game was full of controversy, especially after Ladislav Krejci was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, while the Old Gold also missed a penalty to take the lead.
Oliver Glasner‘s side would eventually seal all three points via a 90th-minute goal from Evann Guessand – his first since leaving Aston Villa, but it could have been very different for the Eagles.
Already on a yellow card after 15 minutes, Hughes went charging into a challenge on Yerson Mosquera in the 24th minute, and the entire away end was calling for the midfielder to be sent off.
Thomas Kirk deserves praise as Will Hughes avoids early red card
While the referee was criticised for Krejci’s sending off, Hackett wanted to praise the official for trying to keep as many players on the pitch as possible following his decision on Hughes.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Wow. We have to compliment Thomas Kirk. I’m telling you, that’s outstanding for a guy who is in his early games.
“He’s a great prospect and is destined for the top. I support the referee’s approach. I know what the law is, and some will disagree with it, but on a second yellow, I always say to young referees that it should be ‘orange’.
“We want to keep players on the pitch. You can put it in the category of a yellow card, which would mean a red, but I think he’s done the right thing.”
What did Crystal Palace fans make of the referee’s performance?
Despite Hackett’s praise, Kirk’s performance was not faultless, with many baffled by the sending-off of Krejci after the centre-back kicked the ball away following the referee’s whistle.
However, with such inexperience in the top tier of English football, the referee will only grow in confidence and common sense, or at least Howard Webb will hope so.
Fans up and down the Premier League criticise officials week in and week out, so the unhappiness from Selhurst Park will not be a surprise.