Ex-PGMOL chief calls for strong enforcement after full-time scenes in West Brom loss vs Newcastle
Keith Hackett was disappointed to see the full-time scenes as West Bromwich Albion lost to Newcastle United.
Bobby Madley refereed the game at St James' Park on 2 August as the Baggies were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-2 defeat.
It was a nail-biting fixture for both sets of fans, with Harvey Barnes' 81st-minute winner deciding the game.
While Newcastle ended up beating James Morrison's team, Matthias Jaissle and his players weren't too pleased with Madley.
It all started with the referee's decision to award the Albion a penalty with 15 minutes to go in the game, which Isaac Price converted to make it 2-2.
Anthony Elanga felt he was fouled as he ran down the right-wing in the 96th minute, but the on-field official waved on play, and as soon as the full-time whistle blew, the Swedish ace ran up to Madley to demand answers.
The rules Premier League and others must enforce after West Brom loss vs Newcastle United
Keith Hackett acknowledges that Elanga was fouled during the incident, but his subsequent actions warranted a booking.
Jaissle also walked up to Madley to discuss the potential foul and was also seen possibly gesturing about the handball incident that led to the penalty.
The ex-PGMOL chief wants the governing bodies in English football to try to stop managers and players from going up to the on-field officials and arguing about decisions.
A 30-minute cooling-off period must be enforced for sanity to prevail in the beautiful game.
Speaking to West Brom News, Hackett said, "It was a clear holding offence on Elanga and should have been penalised with a free kick, and a yellow card to the Newcastle player for unsporting behaviour.
"I am disappointed that the Premier League, PGMOL, PFA and LMA have not stopped managers and coaches from approaching the referee to express their views or seek clarification on the field of play.
"There needs to be strong enforcement of the thirty-minute cooling-off period. The manager or coach can then, 30 minutes after the end of the match, gain permission to enter the referee's dressing room to seek clarification."
What Carabao Cup exit means for West Brom
West Brom reached the second round of the Carabao Cup for the first time in four years after beating Rotherham United.
The Baggies have now been knocked out of the competition by a Premier League side, but put on a valiant effort.
Morrison can take heart from his team's performance at St James' Park.
The start of the season has put the Albion in good stead and fans are now dreaming of promotion to the top flight.
While the Black Country outfit will have wanted to go far in the cup competition, their exit may be a blessing in disguise considering their lack of squad depth.