Darnell Furlong incident slammed by ex-PGMOL chief in Plymouth v West Brom
Keith Hackett slammed referee Dean Whitestone for “poor game management” as West Brom played Plymouth at Home Park in the Championship on Saturday.
The former Premier League referee took issue with Whitestone when Plymouth’s Callum Wright conceded a throw-in to West Brom well inside the Albion’s own half in the seventh minute.
However, once Darnell Furlong had the ball in his hands to throw it back into play, he continued to walk forward up the pitch several metres, much to the displeasure of the home fans in the South-West.
A few Argyle players held their arms aloft at Furlong’s antics and even Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver joked that the Albion right-back started to take his throw-in in Plymouth but took it in Exeter.
Despite the protests, Whitestone allowed Furlong to take the throw-in from a much more advanced position.
Darnell Furlong incident annoys Plymouth fans v West Brom
Ex-PGMOL general manager Hackett says Whitestone should have instructed Furlong to go back to where he was or award Plymouth the throw-in instead.
“Frankly, it is poor game management from the referee,” Hackett told West Brom News.
“It’s an easy process.
“One, the referee stands opposite to where the ball went out of play on his diagonal.
“Two, the referee instructs the player who has retrieved the ball where you want the throw-in to be taken.
“Three, continue with intervention to ensure that the ball is thrown in from within a yard of where the ball went out of play.
“Four, the referee ensures position and that time wasting is not coming into play.
“Five, if the player is gaining, get him to move back.
“Six, if he repeats it, issue a caution.
“If the player taking the throw offends, and throws it from the wrong position, as in this case, the referee should stop play and award the throw-in to the opposition.”
Albion and Plymouth went in at the break goalless with the away side dominating possession and looking to strengthen their position in the Championship play-off spots under Tony Mowbray.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.