Exclusive: Keith Hackett reacts to three West Brom v Oxford United controversies
West Brom ran out 2-0 victors at Oxford United on Saturday but the game was not without its controversies.
Alex Mowatt put the Baggies ahead at the Kassam Stadium and John Swift scored in the 101st minute to round out the points for Tony Mowbray’s side.
On a different day, the Baggies might feel they should have had a penalty, which would have given them the chance to hold an even more comfortable lead.
Ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett reacted to a huge Baggies penalty shout, while also weighing in on a couple of other contentious decisions.
Mikey Johnston has West Brom penalty shot waved away
West Brom were sure they should have had a penalty when Mikey Johnston’s cross struck the arm of Alex Matos in the Oxford area on the stroke of half-time.
Despite strong protestations from the Republic of Ireland winger, referee Sam Allison was not interested and kept his whistle in his mouth.
Hackett said he supported the official’s decision, exclusively telling West Brom News: “The defender leaps and the ball strikes (his arm).
“I support the referee that this is not a deliberate handball, the defender’s arm is close to the body and the distance the ball has travelled is short and at speed. No penalty kick correct call.”
There was further controversy when Allison collided with Us midfielder Cameron Brannagan in the second half and blew his whistle to stop play.
Jayson Molumby was particularly frustrated as he went on to score in the bottom-right corner.
Hackett said there was actually no reason for the ref to stop play, adding: “The referee should try and avoid taking the space of a player who is unable to challenge for the ball. It’s good to see the referee apply a bit of common sense.”
Callum Styles breaths a sigh of relief for West Brom
Oxford United were then convinced they should have had a spot-kick late in the day when Brannagan’s shot struck the arm of West Brom defender Callum Styles.
The Baggies man was breathing a sigh of relief but, once again, Hackett agreed the referee made the right decision.
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Hackett said: “The last incident was not a deliberate handball so referee judgment correct.”
The win leaves the Baggies fifth in the Championship standings, though still just a point above Coventry City in seventh.