Ex-PGMOL chief can't believe Peter Bankes' Chelsea vs Man United howler from a 'great viewing position'

Keith Hackett, ex-PGMOL chief, criticised referee Peter Bankes for missing a clear penalty when Lisandro Martinez fouled Wesley Fofana; VAR correctly intervened to award it.

Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0 on Saturday, but the match was marked by a refereeing controversy in the first half. Lisandro Martinez was shown a second yellow card after fouling Wesley Fofana in the penalty box, leading to a Cole Palmer penalty that doubled Chelsea's lead after Morgan Rogers' opener.

Referee Peter Bankes initially missed the incident despite being in a good position, but VAR official James Bell recommended an on-field review. Bankes went to the screen and quickly awarded the penalty, with Martinez receiving his marching orders.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider the decision should have been made by Bankes without VAR's help. "The player has led with his arm into his opponent in a reckless manner," Hackett said. "Referee Bankes is in a great viewing position, but awarded a corner kick. That is disappointing it was an easy decision." He praised VAR for the intervention, calling it the correct outcome. Later in the game, VAR also disallowed an Estevao goal for offside. Martinez will miss Manchester United's next match against Aston Villa.