Ex-FIFA referee shares what he has heard after West Brom v Burnley controversy
Keith Hackett insists Jaidon Anthony’s goal for Burnley against West Brom on Thursday should have stood.
The Baggies played out a 0-0 draw with the Clarets at The Hawthorns on 7 November, but Anthony had a goal disallowed for an alleged push on Callum Styles before heading home a Lucas Pires cross in the 58th minute.
Hackett believes there was not enough contact on Styles for the goal to be disallowed, stressing the need for referees to have conviction in their decisions in crucial moments.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Hackett said: “I just think that goal should have stood.
“Is this an example of VAR being required? Well I think we need referees to have more courage in their conviction.
Jaidon Anthony goal in West Brom v Burnley should have stood
“For me, there’s not enough in this incident. Football is a contact sport.
“I’ve heard about the bar being here and there, but this goal should have stood.”
The controversy evoked a strong response from Neil Redfearn, who described the incident as “shocking”.
There is no doubt that Carlos Corberan and his players would have been fuming if a decision like that had gone against them.
Nevertheless, the Baggies managed to avoid defeat thanks to a poor refereeing error and have since returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Hull City on Sunday (10 November).
The West Midlands outfit have been far from their best in recent weeks but go into the international break on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, having won one and drawn six of those matches.
They also remain within six points of Sunderland, who sit atop the Championship table.
In other West Brom news, this is what Corberan had to say to the fans after securing a milestone win against Hull City.
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