Ex-Premier League referee baffled by West Brom decision on Jake Livermore red card
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League & FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at West Brom.
Keith Hackett is baffled by West Brom after they decided to appeal against Jake Livermore’s second sending off of the season this week after seeing a replay of the incident.
Livermore, 32, was shown a straight red card 39 minutes into Albion’s 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
Albion appealed against the decision yesterday (10 February). However, this morning, it has been confirmed that the appeal has been unsuccessful and Livermore will now serve a four-match ban.
Hackett doesn’t understand why West Brom opted to try and get Livermore’s red card rescinded, saying that it was obvious the midfielder was endangering Aston Villa loanee Conor Hourihane.
“I think they’re on dodgy ground,” Hackett told West Brom News.
“Was there excessive force? Answer: yes. Did it endanger the safety of an opponent? Yes, because he came in from behind and he was off the ground.
“Their argument might be that he attempted to play the ball – but it doesn’t matter. He’s taken the man.
“If he takes the ball and the man, it’s still a red card.”
Livermore has now been sent off twice this season and also been banned for collecting five yellow cards. Once he’s available to play again, it’ll mean the ex-Hull midfielder has been suspended for eight games this season.
He’s no stranger to getting sent off on a manager’s first game in charge of the Baggies too with the club captain also receiving a reckless red card in Sam Allardyce’s debut in The Hawthorns’ dugout against Aston Villa last term.
Livermore’s now had five red cards since joining Albion in January 2017.
In other West Brom news, watch here as Albion fan Aaron Ramsdale mocks Wolves fans after Arsenal’s win at Molineux this week.