Keith Hackett has expressed his bewilderment at Aston Villa being awarded a penalty in their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at home on Saturday.
The game was held at 1-1 when Unai Emery’s side were handed a penalty for an alleged foul on Leon Bailey by Will Hughes minute before half-time on 23 November.
Hughes seemingly stepped on Bailey in the Palace box and VAR upheld the decision only for Youri Tielemans to have his spot-kick saved by Dean Henderson.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett, a former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief, admitted that the decision was wrong.
Amazing Aston Villa controversy v Crystal Palace
“The penalty kick decision in the Aston Villa game was a wrong decision”, he said.
“There is no foul and I am amazed with the aid of a replay they still get it wrong.”
It is worth noting that Justin Devenny went on to give the Eagles the lead a minute after Tielemans missed his penalty. A 77th-minute equaliser from Ross Barkley then saw the game end in a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
Had Tielemans converted his spot-kick and Villa won the game, there would have been much more noise over the refereeing decision. The referees who officiated the game would, therefore, be glad that both teams shared the spoils in the end.
Nevertheless, it was a missed opportunity for Emery and Co, who are now winless in their last six games across all competitions.
It remains to be seen if the Birmingham-based club can return to winning ways when they host Juventus at home in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, 27 November. It will be followed by a trip to Chelsea on 1 December.
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