Ex-PGMOL chief blames Felix Horn Myhre for West Brom's failure to get foul before Burnley goal
Felix Horn Myhre has come under fire for Burnley's controversial opening goal against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
The Baggies conceded first in their 3-1 win over the Clarets at The Hawthorns, but controversy surrounded the game again.
After Aune Heggebo's headline-grabbing goal against Norwich City, it was Albion who felt hard done by this time.
Horn Myhre was pulled back by Burnley's Hannibal, which resulted in the hosts conceding possession at the top end of the pitch, as Nicky Hayen's side quickly transitioned to the other end of the field to score.
Callum Styles turned the ball into his own net after an unfortunate misjudgment of a Burnley cross, which then sparked outrage from Baggies fans in the direction of referee Anthony Backhouse.
Many felt as though Horn Myhre was fouled in the build-up, though former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett thinks slightly differently about the controversial moment.
Felix Horn Myhre accused of 'exaggeration' in Burnley controversy
Horn Myhre has had a splendid start to life for West Brom, scoring on his debut for the club against Rotherham and helping his side to a win over Norwich.
Albion will have thought the 27-year-old was fouled by Hannibal before Burnley's goal, but the player may have to quickly adapt to how English referees see the game.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett said: "This is a foul; it’s a holding offence by the Burnley player. The exaggeration by the West Brom player has impacted what the referee sees and how he acts.
"I suggest that what he has reacted to is the exaggeration and belief that the player is attempting to deceive him. That is why a free kick was not awarded."
Thankfully for James Morrison's side, the controversial decision didn't prevent the better side from winning the game.
West Brom had many positives from the game, and Horn Myhre's performance was one of them.
How did Horn Myhre actually play vs Burnley?
West Brom only needed to take a glance at the send-off Brann gave Horn Myhre before joining the Baggies to know they were signing a standout talent.
He has taken to life in the Championship like a duck to water, and will only learn from his game against Burnley.
That said, he played well in the win over the Clarets, earning an impressive FotMob rating of 7.3, with a 29-touch performance.
Morrison and Co. will be hoping the versatile midfielder can build on his first three games for Albion, with a midweek Carabao Cup game against Newcastle United next on the agenda.