West Brom Exclusive: Ex-FIFA official reacts instantly to Plymouth penalty drama
Dean Whitestone had no choice but to award Plymouth a penalty kick in their win over West Brom at Home Park on Saturday.
Just moments after Jayson Molumby gave Albion the lead in the 74th minute, Callum Styles was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area after a vicious shot by Ryan Hardie.
The ball did clearly strike Styles’ hand but Hardie’s powerful shot from right in front of him appeared to hit his chest beforehand.
However, former Premier League and FIFA referee Hackett has examined the footage and believes Whitestone was correct to point to the spot and award Plymouth a penalty, which was then scored by Hardie.
Keith Hackett backs referee after West Brom penalty controversy
“Styles has his right arm raised above his waist and the ball clearly hit the hand/arm,” said Hackett to West Brom News.
“The referee has, in the decision-making process, got to determine if the hand or arm is in a natural position.
“It is evident that the arm is raised to prevent the ball passing so the referee is left with no choice other than to award a penalty kick.”
Eleven minutes after scoring his penalty, Hardie scored again to win all three points for Plymouth and consign Tony Mowbray to the first defeat of his second spell as Albion manager.
West Brom’s defeat means they will stay in sixth in the Championship table after Blackburn’s win over Preston on Friday.
They could drop down to seventh if Middlesbrough avoid defeat at home against North-East rivals Sunderland on Monday night (3 February).
Next up for the Black Country club is a clash against Sheffield Wednesday at The Hawthorns on Saturday (8 February).
They then welcome Blackburn to the West Midlands on Wednesday, 12 February.
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