Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett has expressed strong dissent to Howard Webb’s explanation regarding the controversial VAR decision in Liverpool vs Manchester City clash.
The PL title race has become even more interesting now as Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal are battling to secure the title.
As the 2023-24 season has progressed into the final leg, every split decision can mean a team will get an exponential lead or fall behind immensely.
The most anticipated match in England between the Reds and the Sky Blues held much significance as this match could have decided this season’s title-winner.
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Liverpool vs Manchester City: The VAR Penalty Controversy
In the dying minutes of the game, the Merseysiders received a corner. The corner-kick from Andy Robertson was cleared away within the box.
But as the ball was still there, City’s Jeremy Doku tried to clear it. However, Alexis Mac Allister also charged at the ball Doku’s kick landed on Liverpool no. 10’s ribs.
The incident happened within the penalty box which begged the question whether that was a penalty. To everyone’s surprise, VAR ruled it out as ‘no foul’.
PGMOL head Howard Webb while speaking on the Mic’d Up series on the Premier League’s official website, addressed the issue, and he agreed with the referee and VAR.
“It’s split a lot of opinion, hasn’t it? And I think it’s one of those for sure if the referee gives it on the field, it would have been a ‘Check complete’ by the VAR.
And equally, having not given it, it’s also ‘Check complete’. You hear Michael Oliver say the ball’s in between two players going together. The ball is too low to head. Doku lifts his foot to play the ball, and he does make contact on the ball.
And yes, we know there’s some contact on Mac Allister as well. Mac Allister comes into him. Mac Allister is not really playing the ball either. So, I understand why it’s split opinion.”
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Former PGMOL Boss Keith Hackett Furious
However, this explanation was insufficient to satisfy former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett. He was furious with the decision and the explanation. Hackett said in a tweet,
“Not a foul Howard? you are joking. Do not defend the indefensible.”
Continuing on the same issue, in another tweet he wrote,
“What abject nonsense from Howard Webb who is ignoring Law 12. Careless -Reckless definition.”
Replying to a fan about the situation, Hackett said,
“The boot is too high and makes contact with Mac Allister. It’s a foul!!! All day every day. Liverpool should have had a penalty kick.”
The contradictory decision might have resulted in a penalty that could have put Liverpool in the lead.
As things stand now, Arsenal top the table with 64 points; Liverpool are 2nd with the same points, behind in goal difference; and Man City are 3rd with 63 points.
The next few matches will be crucial for each side as they stride for the prestigious Premier League title.
An ardent football fan and a proud Red. I take immense pleasure in analyzing the intricacies of the game.
