Keith Hackett: West Brom goal v Liverpool should have been awarded
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at West Brom.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes West Brom were unfortunate to be denied a second goal against Liverpool on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men came away from the Hawthorns with all three points thanks to an incredible last minute headed goal from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but the game could have been different had the Baggies not had their goal disallowed.
Semi Ajayi’s header from a corner was well met by Kyle Bartley who swept pass Alisson to give Albion the lead, however Matt Phillips was deemed to have obstructed the goalkeeper’s view, with VAR seeing the effort overturned.
Jamie Carragher expressed his doubts over the decision on commentary during the game and the reception to it since has been mixed, with Hackett exclusively telling West Brom News that he would have awarded the goal.
Hackett said: “We’re talking about interfering with play, interfering with an opponent in this situation.
“A player is in an offside position and he’s not committed the play, and I believe the goalkeeper had the ability to save that goal. I thought he saw it, he had the opportunity to see it, he can see it in the air, so why doesn’t he move?
“What we’ve got in a sense is a lazy goalkeeper whose not making a real effort to try and save it. He’s gone with the view, he’s thought ‘I’ve got a player in front of me so I’m not going to have a go’, and he’s won the decision from that.
“The judgement is that he’s interfered with his opponent and you would have a split down the middle in terms of referees on that decision.
“The ball is not coming directly to the goalkeeper at all, it doesn’t even go in his direction, it goes really to the right-hand side of the goalkeeper, and that is why I would not rule the goal out, I’d allow it to stand on the basis that an interference with the goalkeeper hasn’t taken place.”
Bartley’s goal having been ruled out was a frustrating moment for West Brom to stomach, and it only got worse when Alisson of all people grabbed a late winner.
Albion have experience their fare share of rotten luck over the course of the season but it’s something different altogether to watch a goalkeeper deliver the final crushing blow.
Sam Allardyce will pick his players up and go again against West Ham on Wednesday, when thankfully the club will be able to welcome supporters back to the Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, ‘Massive mistake’ – BBC MotD pundit delivers verdict on major West Brom controversy v Liverpool.
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