League dismiss replay claim

No video used over 'penalty' decision say officials

Last updated: 1st January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

League dismiss replay claim

Discussion: referee Bennett consults his assistant Andy Halliday

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The Premier League say TV replays did not influence referee Steve Bennett's decision to overturn a penalty decision during Aston Villa's win over Hull City.

The Tigers thought they had earned a late lifeline in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at the KC Stadium when Bennett pointed to the spot in injury time for an apparent handball by Ashley Young.

Bennett, however, changed his mind following protests by Villa and consultation with his assistant Andy Halliday, the pair correctly agreeing the ball had struck the crossbar and not Young's raised arm.

There have since been claims a third party could have used video replays and then advised the officials of the correct decision via their earpieces.

This would contravene Premier League rules which forbid third-party influence or the use of replays and competition officials are adamant this did not occur.

A Premier League spokesman said: "(Referees chief) Keith Hackett has spoken to Steve Bennett and the other match officials and what is absolutely clear is the decision was made between the assistant referee and the referee."

Additionally, the Premier League have also pointed out that video screens have now been removed from technical areas as part of the 'Get on with the Game' initiative and replays cannot be seen.

Hull City chairman Paul Duffen had called for the matter to be investigated.

Duffen has no qualms over Bennett's final decision but has raised questions about the way at which it was reached.