Ref: Robben red card was right
Referees' chief Keith Hackett has praised the decision to dismiss Arjen Robben.
Keith Hackett, head of The Premiership's referees, has insisted that Chelsea star Arjen Robben deserved to be sent off for his exuberant celebrations against Sunderland.The Dutchman was shown a second yellow card for running over to the Chelsea fans in joy after putting the table-toppers ahead at The Stadium of Light.
The decision has met with a mixed reaction, with many arguing that although official Chris Foy applied the letter of the law, perhaps he should have used common sense and simply warned him about his conduct.
However, Hackett has praised Foy's judgement, and stressed that matters concerning health and safety have to be dealt with properly.
"A large group of spectators, not one or two, surged forward out of their seats, ran to the metal rail and created a surge that involved stewards running to try to prevent a crush situation. That was why Chris Foy cautioned Robben," Hackett explained.
"There is a health and safety issue here. If spectators move forward suddenly it is putting at risk the safety of other spectators and stewards.
"A similar incident at Shrewsbury last year led to a steward suffering a broken arm. The rules are quite specific and Fifa are very keen on them, from the safety aspect.
"People talk about referees using common sense, but we need the players to use common sense and restraint."
