Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes that officials got a major decision wrong in Fulham's match against Chelsea, as the Cottagers beat their west London rivals 2-1 to pick up three important Premier League points.
Although the visitors made a bright start, their evening was flung into chaos when Marc Cucurella pulled Harry Wilson back with the attacker through on goal. Referee Peter Bankes had little choice but to send the Spaniard off, earning Chelsea a fifth red card in league matches this season.
Although the Blues held on to a 0-0 draw before half-time, they were pegged back when Raul Jimenez headed home Fulham's first of the night. And while Liam Delap was on hand to grab an equaliser, their joy was short-lived, as the in-form Wilson buried a late winner in the 81st minute.
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Hackett: Referee Made Error in Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella is shown a red card by referee Peter Bankes
The decision to send Cucurella off sparked fury among the Chelsea players, with three yellow cards shown in quick succession due to protests. Yet there was little outcry from pundits and fans, who agreed with Bankes' verdict.
Clarifying the decision online, the Premier League's Match Centre wrote: "The referee’s call of free-kick to Fulham and a red card to Cucurella for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed that Cucurella committed a holding offence that did not continue into the penalty area."
However, it's the last part of their statement which Hackett takes issue with. Speaking to Football Insider, the former FIFA referee believes that Cucurella continued to hold Wilson as he ran into the box, which is where he eventually went down. Mike Dean has stated that a penalty and red card should have been shown, and Hackett ultimately agrees with that assessment.
"Mike Dean is spot on with his conclusion on this one," he said. "Under Law 12 – Advantage, the final paragraph gives us the answer."
According to IFAB, Law 12 states: "If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick."
Hackett continued to express his disagreement with the call, adding: "I worry about the law knowledge of our officials. This incident is covered in law and a penalty kick should be awarded.
"Well said Mike Dean, who should be coaching our referees along with Mark Halsey."
Check Out Hackett's Explanation Below:
Cucurella Set to Miss FA Cup Tie
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella leaves the pitch after he is sent off
A red card for Cucurella not only hurt Chelsea on the night, but could also be an issue for the Blues this weekend. They are set to face Charlton in the third round of the FA Cup, with suspensions carrying over into the competition.
Saturday's game will mark the first time Liam Rosenior will take charge of his new side since taking over as Chelsea manager from Enzo Maresca. While he was in attendance for Wednesday night's defeat to Fulham, he allowed Under-21s manager Calum McFarlane to lead the senior side once again.
Elaborating on his decision not to take charge against Fulham, the former Strasbourg boss told Sky Sports: "Just travel. But mainly the fact that Calum did such an incredible job against Man City.
"The performance of the players, especially in the second half, the energy, the intensity, the quality that they played with. They've supported the lads in a really difficult moment in a really good way.
"I flew over from Strasbourg yesterday morning. It's a difficult timeframe for me to get in the tactical work that I need to get into to give the lads the best chance to win."