Keith Hackett has expressed disbelief over reports that Andy Robertson’s red card during Liverpool’s clash against Fulham might have been overturned.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee shared his concerns about consistency in refereeing decisions, urging Howard Webb to address the issue to prevent further controversies.
Robertson’s red card, issued during Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield on December 14, has stirred widespread debate. The Scottish left-back was sent off in the 17th minute for allegedly denying a goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) after a challenge on Harry Wilson. Despite playing the majority of the match with 10 men, Liverpool managed to salvage a point, keeping the incident firmly in the spotlight.
Confusion Over Red Card Evidence
Hackett highlighted that the initial decision appeared to have the full backing of both the on-field referee and VAR. “I understand that Robertson’s red card for the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity has been overturned,” Hackett said. “However, the on-field referee and VAR were in unison on this decision, satisfied that the criteria for DOGSO had been fulfilled.”
The DOGSO rule, which dictates the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, involves several criteria. According to Hackett, all seemed to be met in Robertson’s case. He listed them as follows:
- Was Wilson fouled? Hackett believes the answer is unequivocally yes.
- Direction of play towards the goal? Again, the answer is affirmative.
- Probability of controlling the ball? Hackett argued that Wilson, had he not been fouled, would have had a clear chance to take a shot at goal.
- Covering defenders? In Hackett’s view, there were no defenders capable of intercepting Wilson in time.
These factors, Hackett asserted, make the decision to overturn the red card questionable.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
A Refereeing Misstep?
Hackett also pointed out a potential error in the referee’s management of the incident. He explained that play was allowed to continue after the foul, leading to another forward taking a shot, which ultimately missed. Hackett argued that the referee should have blown the whistle the moment Robertson committed the foul, avoiding confusion about the advantage rule and its application in this scenario.
“The confusion on this appears to be that the referee allowed play to continue to another forward who shot and missed,” Hackett said. “The referee should have blown the whistle at the point Robertson committed the foul.”
Implications for Refereeing Consistency
Hackett emphasized the importance of consistent decision-making in such high-profile cases, calling on Howard Webb to address the matter with refereeing officials. “Webb will now have to discuss this with all of his officials to ensure they can achieve consistency in DOGSO offences going forward,” Hackett remarked.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, defended Robertson’s performance and highlighted the player’s character throughout the match. Slot’s comments come amid lingering scrutiny over referee-related incidents involving his side, though he did not explicitly address the red card reversal during his post-match statements.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Robertson’s potential availability after the red card reversal would be a major boost for Liverpool. The Scottish defender remains a crucial component of Arne Slot’s tactical system, contributing both defensively and offensively for the team.
This incident has reignited calls for greater transparency in refereeing decisions and VAR interventions, especially in high-stakes matches. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Webb and the refereeing body respond to this latest controversy.