Brentford Fulham
Keith Hackett
Mon 19 May 2025 15:32, UK
Keith Hackett has criticised the decision to assign Jarred Gillett to referee the match between Brentford and Fulham.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Australian should not have overseen the game the day after operating VAR in the FA Cup final.
Crystal Palace beat Man City 1-0 at Wembley to win their first ever major trophy on Saturday (17 May) thanks to a goal from Ebere Eze 16 minutes into the game.
That game though, featured a number of controversial moments for the officials to deal with, both on the pitch and in the VAR booth.
Jarred Gillett kept busy on VAR in FA Cup final
Shorlty after Oliver Glasner’s side had opened the scoring, there were questions about whether Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson should have been sent off for handling the ball outside his area.
Man City were also awarded a penalty for a challenge by Tyrick Mitchell on Bernardo Silva before half time, despite suggestions Mitchell had touched the ball, which Henderson went then saved.
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With Gillett working on VAR during the game, that ensured there was plenty for him to keep across during that match.
Crystal Palace 2024/25 FA Cup run Result
Third Round: Stockport (H) Won 1-0
Fourth Round: Doncaster (A) Won 2-0
Fifth Round: Millwall (H) Won 3-1
Quarter Finals: Fulham (A) Won 3-0
Semi Finals: Aston Villa (N) Won 3-0
Final: Man City (N) Won 1-0
Even so, he was then back in action again on Sunday (18 May), taking charge on the pitch as Brentford hosted Fulham in a dramatic 3-2 away win.
Hackett though, does not believe the referee should have been given those two appointments so close together.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett has hit out over Jarred Gilltt’s busy workload
Fulham vs Brentford referee selection scrutinised* *by Keith Hackett
Speaking to Football Insider about those two appointments in as many days for Gillett, the former referee said:
“This referee had been the VAR in the Cup final the day before and frankly [it should have been] either or.
“I just think this whole scenario: here’s a big game, cup final, big appoinment, VAR, important task that he has, lot of concentration, lot of nervous energy, now he’s coming in to do a Premier League game.
“I just feel that’s unhelpful. I don’t agree with match officials doing two games in a weekend, even though it’s Jarred Gillett, he shouldn’t be refereeing, I’m amazed.
“Normally what happens at the cup final is the referee’s taken out for dinner and they have a celebration dinner with everybody. I wonder if that applies to the VAR.”
With Gillett in charge regardless, an eventful game would see Fulham claim a 3-2 win over Brentford, meaning the Cottagers tenth in the tablesit just one point, but two places behind Thomas Frank’s side.
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