Keith Hackett: West Brom deserved penalty v Birmingham but referee cannot guess
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 has insisted that West Brom deserved a penalty against Birmingham after a clear handball was missed.
The ex-FIFA official did sympathize with the referee and admitted that he shouldn’t have given it if it was a guess.
That can be the only reason he did not give the penalty, as it was suggested he wasn’t sure which player had handled in the group.
“Handball,” he exclusively told West Brom News.
“He’s jumped up and handled it, why do players do that? This shows how difficult it is for the referee, he’s got one look and you can’t guess.
“I have sympathy for the referee that he hasn’t seen this, but it’s handball. We’re able to replay it, just don’t guess.
“I think that is a really difficult one, he is in a great position. He’s got a situation there where there is a mass of players and an arm goes up, which one? Therefore if there is any doubt, don’t give it.”
Really?
This just about sums up our entire season in the Championship so far.
It was the clearest handball you are ever going to see, and it just went downhill from that very moment in the opening minutes.
It was no surprise to see the referee in a perfect position to see Conor Townsend’s handball later in the game, though, with no hesitation in place before blowing.
The sooner VAR is in place in the Championship, the better.
In other West Brom news, Steve Bruce has held talks over new Baggies signing since arriving with a work permit update shared
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