Exclusive: Keith Hackett delivers verdict on Leeds v Chelsea flashpoint
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…
Keith Hackett has said that there is no imperative for a referee to stop a game unless there’s a head injury to a player or an injury that he thinks is serious or life-threatening.
He also said that unless something is thrown from the stands, it’s not the referee’s responsibility to deal with outbursts from the crowd or from staff.
Patrick Bamford went down injured in the Leeds box during the 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.
The game carried on with Leeds sporting director Victor Orta shouting down to the pitch for the Chelsea players to put the ball out.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel got involved and responded to Orta, saying: “Leave my players alone”.
Bamford eventually went off injured.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett said, “There’s a responsibility the referee has in the technical area.
“So, if the manager, coaches or any other person within the technical area… that is the responsibility of the referee.
“In this case, with Orta in the stands, unless an object is thrown then that is down to security.
“There is usually a match commander and the stadium manager and they liaise with the referee prior to the game. When there’s an outburst in the stadium, that’s down to the match commander.
“As for Bamford being down in his own box… Kevin Friend has got to determine the injury itself. If it’s a head injury then the practice is to stop the game and get the medics on.
“In the case of where the player has gone down, ideally you keep the game running.
“In the Premier League, there is no convention for the players to kick the ball out of play.
“He doesn’t have to call it but if he thinks it’s going to be a problem then it’s safety first and you blow.
“Kevin Friend is an experienced referee and you have to assume he’s aware of it. He’s wired up to his other officials so if they think it’s a problem they can ask him to stop the game, too.”
We love Orta’s passion and Leeds have history of being on the wrong end of not putting the ball out of play.
Marcelo Bielsa ordered his side to let Aston Villa score in the Championship without opposition after a fracas when the opposing players thought Leeds should have put the ball out.
Ultimately, though, Hackett is right and there was no need top stop the action on Saturday, regardless of where Bamford was on the pitch.
Orta obviously thinks otherwise.
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