Keith Hackett: Steve Bruce will have been questioning Martin Atkinson on Sunday
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive West Ham United columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium.
Keith Hackett has insisted that Steve Bruce had every right to question Martin Atkinson after West Ham United beat his Newcastle side on Sunday.
The Irons won 4-2 at St James’ Park, but it was the decision to give a penalty that left many scratching their heads in the second half.
Hackett praised Atkinson but admitted that it shouldn’t have been a penalty and that he will have been expecting contact with Bruce.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Hackett said, “He’s a very experienced referee, very articulate.
“He accepts criticism and comment, there could be a situation like Steve Bruce knocking on his door.
“If they’re quick enough or clever enough, they could have a laptop and show them where they’ve got it wrong.
“That discussion may or may not have taken place, but Bruce has the right to ask the question.”
Move on.
It was Pablo Fornals who was adjudged to have been brought down in the box, but it didn’t matter in the end as Michail Antonio missed.
The rebound was scored, but looking at how the game was going, Bruce can have no real complaints with the end result.
It was the perfect start to the season, and that relentless pressure in the final third led to Atkinson pointing to the spot as we were first to every ball.
The officials don’t want to be interrupted by VAR after every decision this season, and although they will expect criticism, they have to make a split judgement call.
It will improve as the season progresses, but expect more questions to be thrown their way between now and the end of the campaign.
In other West Ham United news, This is when the Irons will re-open talks for Nikola Milenkovic after Friday collapse – reports
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