Leeds United blow Keith Hackett away with their fitness levels
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett to the MOT Leeds News team. Each week, Hackett will discuss the big moments from the latest Leeds United games and deliver his verdict on whether his successors got their calls right or wrong…
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has been blown away by Leeds United and their fitness levels.
Hackett was speaking about referee Simon Hooper who officiated Saturday’s 1-0 win against Watford, and he claimed that he was worried about him being selected for this match because of his fitness levels.
This led the former referee to hail the Whites and their energy levels.
Speaking exclusively to MOT News, he said: “I first of all thought it was a poor appointment by the PGMOL. He’s not been the fittest of referees, in my opinion.
“Here he is, he’s got Leeds United, who are the quickest team in my opinion in the Premier League.
“They are just a machine as a team.
“90 minutes high press, high energy, intensive running.”
Hackett impressed by Leeds.
It is clear that Hackett is impressed by Leeds’ style of play and the energy that they bring, and he was also baffled that Hooper was selected.
The referee then made an awful decision as he failed to award the Whites a blatant penalty in the first half when Dan James was brought down [Planet Football].
This was a clear penalty, and perhaps Hooper’s fitness prevented him from keeping up with play?
Certainly, Hackett raises a very good point and going forward, all the referees who take charge of a Leeds match have to be super fit.
This should be the case anyway, but the PGMOL and Premier League should really listen to Hackett’s advice here and try and pick a fitter referee for Leeds games going forward.
In other Leeds United news, Keith Hackett fuming after major incident against Watford.