Keith Hackett, a former Premier League referee, has blasted officials for failing to dismiss Christian Norgaard for a careless tackle on Gabriel Martinelli during Brentford vs. Arsenal. Sunday’s Premier League meeting between the two London-based teams ended in a 1-1 draw because they were unable to separate themselves.
The Gunners were forced to split the spoils as Yoane Wissa pegged them back after Thomas Partey gave them the lead. However, if Norgaard had been sent out for his foul on Martinelli during the first half of the game, things might have turned out rather differently. The referee, Simon Hooper, thought the Brentford player’s high, reckless challenge was only good for a yellow card. After examining the situation, VAR approved the official’s on-field judgement.
Former referee Hackett has since criticised them for their choice and believes that Norgaard ought to have been sent off for what he saw to be a foul that “endangered” Martinelli.
Hackett Thought Norgaard Should Have Been Sent Off
He described the foul as excessive
Concerns were raised when Norgaard, a Brentford player, was only given a yellow card for his risky tackle on Martinelli in the first half. Former referee Hackett has now lambasted the authorities for failing to dismiss him and spoken out about the decision. In an interview with Football Insider that was posted on their social media accounts, he stated:
“Norgaard entered Martinelli quickly, off the ground, and using Martinelli’s right leg as a scissor action. Excessive force was used with some malice and put the opponent’s safety in jeopardy. Therefore, in my opinion, that is a red card offence, and that ought to have been the result. Not yellow. It wasn’t just a careless challenge.
Rather, he was merely given a yellow card and was permitted to play for most of the game before being replaced in the 91st minute as his team defeated Arsenal by a point. It’s the most recent in a string of points that the Gunners have lost recently, significantly eroding their chances of winning the championship.
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