West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen and referee Orel Grinfeeld
(Credit: ITVX)
Keith Hackett
Tue 25 March 2025 8:00, UK
Keith Hackett has slammed referee Orel Grinfeeld after Jarrod Bowen was brought down in England’s 3-0 win over Latvia.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider the Three Lions should have been awarded a penalty after a “careless challenge” from goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris.
Reece James put in a man-of-the-match performance against Latvia, scoring a stunning freekick and the Chelsea captain paired the goal with a celebration that left Lee Dixon puzzled.
Goals from the Blues’ defender, Arsenal target Harry Kane and Tottenham target Eberechi Eze gave England all three points against Latvia.
Jarrod Bowen playing for West Ham
Jarrod Bowen thought he had earnt England a penalty. (Credit Imago)
Jarrod Bowen unlucky to not win England a penalty
Just eight minute after Rashford went tumbling over in the box and was denied a penalty, Bowen too had no luck in earning a spot-kick.
A deflected cross from the Aston Villa winger caused mayhem, when Zviedris made a hash of claiming the ball.
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Bellingham’s challenge on the keeper allowed the ball to drop into Bowen‘s path, with the West Ham man looking set to score his second ever England goal.
However, in an attempt to make amends, Zviedris lunged forwards, knocking the 28-year-old to the ground.
The referee’s on-field decision was no penalty and a VAR decision that lasted two minutes erred on the side of Grinfeeld.
In spite of the referee’s verdict, ex-FIFA official Hackett gave his view on what the correct decision should have been.
Keith Hackett explains why Jarrod Bowen was unlucky not to earn penalty
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, broke down the decision by the referee and highlighted just how fortunate the Latvian goalkeeper was, saying:
“The goalkeeper, in an attempt to play the ball, comes into contact with the England player Jarrod Bowen and it is a careless challenge by the goalkeeper.
“It was a foul and England should have been awarded a penalty kick.”
England’s next match will be against Andorra on 7 June, as they look to keep their winning start in the World Cup qualifying going.
Meanwhile, Bowen and West Ham will face Wolves in their next game on Tuesday, 1 April.
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