Keith Hackett: Frank Lampard must defend his comments after Everton v Manchester City
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Everton...
Keith Hackett has slammed the referees for getting the Rodri handball decision wrong in the Everton v Manchester City game.
The former FIFA and Premier League referee believes that Frank Lampard got his tactics spot on.
He was set to come away with a point against the runaway league leaders and was denied the chance because of a glaring refereeing error.
Alan Shearer, who spoke about this on BBC’s Match of the Day, made a mockery of this decision.
Lampard, in his post-match interview, ridiculed the referee for making such a call in the dying stages of the game.
Asked whether or not he would be punished by the FA, Hackett said,
“No [he’s not wrong]. Somebody’s got to say something about the quality of officiating in this country.
“I heard Alan Shearer on Match of the Day talking about the faults of refereeing in this country.
“As a former referee, I’m agreeing with him, because the standard of refereeing in this country is in a poor state and you’ve got to get real about it.
“Frank Lampard is spot on and if the FA charge him then he should defend his position.
“You’re playing the best team in the land and his tactics have worked brilliantly. I couldn’t believe it.”
Since then, Head of Referees Mike Riley made personal calls to chairman Bill Kenwright and Lampard to apologise following the decision by VAR not to award the club a penalty against Man City.
Until now, there has been no charge levied by either the FA or the PGMOL.
In other Everton news, Super Computer makes Toffees’ relegation prediction after 1-0 defeat v Manchester City
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