Tyrone Mings looks across at his high foot on Keane Lewis-Potter in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago / Peacock)
Ben Palmer
Sat 23 August 2025 16:50, UK
Tyrone Mings was exceptionally fortunate to avoid being sent off for Aston Villa against Brentford, says Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Tony Harrington had no excuses for missing the defender’s “reckless” challenge.
New Brentford signing Dango Ouattara opened the scoring for the home side at the GTech on Saturday, 23 August.
The Burkina Faso international swept home from close range after Man United target Emi Martinez denied the former Bournemouth man’s initial attempt at goal.
Brentford were generally in control, but Villa were a continuous threat, especially from set pieces.
However, after the ball was cleared and with the Bees looking to break quickly, Mings dangerously attempted to break up the counter-attack.
A debut goal for Dango Ouattara 🙌
He raced away from the Aston Villa defence before seeing his shot saved, but he was first to the rebound to put Brentford ahead 🐝 pic.twitter.com/Z5dNgKUICA
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 23, 2025
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Tyrone Mings’ high foot goes unpunished
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
With 18 minutes gone a corner was whipped in and subsequently cleared by Brentford, and Keane Lewis-Potter looked to break.
Villa’s defence was out of position, and Mings attempted to poke the ball away from the defender.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews
Keith Andrews’ side took the lead early against Aston Villa. (Credit: Imago)
However, with the ball at head height, the England international’s challenge was dangerous and he made contact with Lewis-Potter’s head.
Harrington had a clear view of the challenge but chose not to show Mings a card of any kind, despite the reckless nature of the foul.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Tyrone Mings challenge
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett was stunned that Harrington had not shown a card to Mings for his foul.
He said: “The referee must see that as a clear offence.
“It is at minimum a yellow card for a reckless challenge.
Emi Martinez in action for Aston Villa
Emi Martinez was judged to have been fouled in the build-up to Brentford’s second goal. (Credit: Imago)
“Frankly, the foot was high and endangered the safety of his opponent. He is fortunate to escape a red.”
Harrington was once again the centre of attention late in the first half when he chose to disallow Mikkel Damsgaard‘s goal that would have doubled Brentford’s lead for a foul on Martinez.
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