Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett is convinced the officials made a major error in Manchester City's triumph over Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
City and Chelsea went head-to-head at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Citizens were looking to win the FA Cup title for the eighth time, while the Blues were bidding to win their ninth.
It was Pep Guardiola's side that emerged victorious in a hard-fought match. Antoine Semenyo's clever effort in the 71st minute proved to be the difference between the two sides as City won 1-0.
Keith Hackett Slams Major Refereeing Error
Darren England
There were a few controversial refereeing decisions made during the match. Chelsea had a few penalty shouts that were waved away, including when Joao Pedro went to ground following contact with Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Blues were also fortunate to have not been reduced to 10 men in the first half. Enzo Fernandez picked up the first booking of the match in the first half when he clattered into Bernardo Silva. VAR checked the incident, and they came to the conclusion that Darren England's call was the right one.
Ex-PGMOL chief Hackett does not agree, though. The former FIFA referee has reviewed the incident, and he's certain Fernandez should have received his marching orders. He told Football Insider:
"This challenge meets the criteria for serious foul play, and he is very fortunate to stay on the field of play.
“Serious Foul Play – The law states that a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
“Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play. Clearly, the referee saw this as borderline reckless.”
Xabi Alonso Appointed Chelsea Manager
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso
Chelsea have announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso, a day after their FA Cup final defeat. The Spaniard has signed a four-year contract with the club.
Alonso said: "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.
"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.
"There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."