Aston Villa controversy: PGMOL told to make changes after new developments
Keith Hackett has urged the PGMOL to make changes after the audio on Jhon Duran’s red card for Aston Villa against Newcastle was released.
The Colombian star was sent off by Anthony Taylor despite being recommended by his assistants to initially caution him for the alleged stamp on Fabian Schar at St James’ Park.
Hackett, an ex-FIFA referee and PGMOL chief believes that a red card was correct and the audio shows that assistants need to be told to not interfere and wait to be invited by referees to share their verdict.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett shared what he first learned when introducing communication kits to referees during his time in charge.
“Firstly I would state when I saw this I was in no doubt that it was a red card offence,” he said.
“The commentary across the match officials shows how viewing angles and distance can impact on the decision.
“The AR2 is some distance away and once again we listen in to the confusing and inaccurate verbal feed into the referee.
“Taylor is one of two elite UEFA referees and despite me sometimes being critical of the number of yellow cards that he dishes out, this one he got correct having been ideally positioned to see Duran’s boot rake his opponent’s back.
“Taylor was firm and confident in what he saw and when VAR views more video re-runs of the incident, Stockley Park could not intervene taking into account the ‘Clear and Obvious’ VAR criteria.
PGMOL changes after Aston Villa controversy
“I was boss of the PGMOL when I introduced to refereeing the communication kits.
“Having the ability to listen in on those early days it was evident that I had to issue a criteria of operation about the verbal exchange between the on-field officials.
“I wanted clarity and a limited verbal intervention by assistant referees. In listening to the lack of clarity, I suggest that the PGMOL need to stop the running commentary and await to be invited by the referee to comment.
“Taylor remained focused and stuck with what he saw and I support that despite Aston Villa’s unhappiness and the fact that it went through an appeal process the Review Panel confirmed that Taylor’s judgment was better than his colleagues.”
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