Chris Kavanagh set for Howard Webb conversation after Aston Villa and Sunderland controversies – Exclusive
Chris Kavanagh has had a week to forget after controversial incidents in Sunderland’s defeat to Liverpool and Villa’s FA Cup exit to Newcastle.
Aston Villa fell to a 3-1 defeat against Newcastle in the FA Cup, and when a game has four goals, you would assume that most of the talk would be centred around that.
However, the overwhelming number of controversial incidents overshadowed the clash at Villa Park, with Tammy Abraham’s opening goal, Lucas Digne‘s rash challenge on Jacob Murphy, as well as the Frenchman’s blatant handball in the penalty area.
While many of the decisions actually went in the Villans’ favour, it was still remarkable to see so many errors made by all four officials.
And this was days after Kavanagh was involved in a hugely controversial moment in Sunderland’s Premier League defeat to Liverpool.
- Read More: Villa vs Newcastle ref watch: Three decisions Chris Kavanagh got horribly wrong in FA Cup clash
Chris Kavanagh could face suspension after controversial week
Sunderland’s defeat to Liverpool holds little value when discussing Villa’s FA Cup exit, but it holds plenty of value when it comes to the performance of Kavanagh.
At the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, Brian Brobbey appeared to be fouled by Ibrahima Konate in the penalty area, but nothing was given.
Kavanagh was then forced to apologise to Sunderland boss, Regis Le Bris, after the game, admitting that he had made a mistake.
And then for Kavanagh to make as many errors as he did just days later at Villa Park is quite frankly remarkable, and Keith Hackett thinks that the 40-year-old should be afforded a short time away from the pressures of officiating.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, he said: “Referees, like players, lose form, and when they do, they need to be taken out of the game for a period of time and given operational advice by their boss, Howard Webb.
Aston Villa’s defeat to Newcastle showcased the issues with officiating
First and foremost, Aston Villa did not lose because of the refereeing. If anything, they were handed several lifelines as a result of it.
Digne should probably have seen red for his challenge on Murphy, and should certainly have given away a penalty after he clearly handled the ball in the penalty area.
But it showcased just how much English officials rely on VAR nowadays, even when the system itself is flawed more often than not.
Errors are being made each and every week, and they become even more obvious when the offical dont have anything to fall back on.
It’s a concern that needs to be addressed.
To keep up to date on all things Aston Villa, visit Football Insider for more in-depth coverage.