Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to Josh Maja incident in West Brom loss v Watford
Watford’s second goal in the 2-1 victory over West Brom at Vicarage Road should have been disallowed for a foul on Josh Maja, Keith Hackett has said.
The Hornets picked up all three points at home soil on Sunday (15 December) with Vakoun Issouf Bayo scoring twice before Jayson Molumby’s 67th-minute response provided hope of a fightback (Sky Sports).
However, it was the Bayo’s second that was certainly controversial with Baggies striker Josh Maja clattered into by Mattie Pollock in the centre of the penalty area.
Referee Gavin Ward did not spot any foul, though, and the crucial goal stood as Carlos Corberan’s side were left eighth in the Championship, two points adrift of the top six.
However, ex-Premier League and FIFA official Hackett was astounded the goal was allowed to stand.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, he said: “There is clearly a foul in the build-up to this goal.
“A Watford player pushes his opponent off the ball clearly impacting on that player’s ability to defend.”
West Brom and Josh Maja hard done by v Watford
Incidents like this are always hugely frustrating because ultimately it proved decisive as the Baggies fell to a disappointing defeat against a fellow play-off hopeful.
Of course, you can’t just blame one incident you have to take accountability for yourselves and just focus on decisions made by officials.
Having said that, how on earth it was missed that Maja was absolutely clattered into is pretty dumbfounding, it was an obvious foul.
Hackett, a respected former referee, saying as such only adds weight to that argument and the Baggies were unfortunate with this one.
West Brom return to action next Sunday at home to Bristol City (22 December).
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan is among the early favourites for the vacant Wolves job.