Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref reacts to Chelsea penalty incident as Nico Jackson taken out.
Keith Hackett has looked into whether Chelsea should have received a penalty in their Conference League final against Real Betis following a collision between Nicolas Jackson and Adrian.
The former PGMOL chairman and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he did not believe a penalty kick should have been awarded because the La Liga custodian was attempting to clear the ball. After securing Champions League qualification with a victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday (25 May), Enzo Maresca’s side now had the opportunity to finish the season with a trophy. However, it was Betis who got the lead following an error by Malo Gusto with just ten minutes on the clock, which was enough to leave Chelsea behind 1-0 at half time.
Nicolas Jackson flattened by Adrian
After the break, the Blues improved as they sought an equaliser, and they may have believed they should have got a penalty. Following Jackson’s dismissal against Newcastle in the Premier League, the striker was reinstated to Chelsea’s starting lineup after missing the final two games of the league season through suspension. On the hour-mark, the striker was involved in another incident, as Noni Madueke sent a cross into the Betis penalty area. As Jackson attempted to win the ball in the air, custodian Adrian caught him in the head while punching the ball clear.
That left the Chelsea ace down on the ground for some time while his teammates pleaded for a penalty, but referee Irfan Peljto did not point to the spot – he would book Benoit Badiashile for his protests. VAR then reviewed the decision but did not recommend a review, ensuring Jackson was denied a spot kick, which Hackett now agrees with.
Keith Hackett backs officials over Chelsea appeal
When asked by Football Insider if the decision not to award a penalty for Jackson’s challenge was correct, the former referee stated, “I am satisfied having looked at the video that the custodian came out with the intention to clear the ball. I would not expect a penalty kick to be awarded.” Despite being denied, Chelsea would still mount a stunning comeback to beat Betis 4-1, with Jackson among those who scored, ensuring their season ended.
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