Premier League dismiss Hull concern
Hull thought they had earned a late lifeline in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa at the KC Stadium when Bennett pointed to the spot in stoppage 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 ruled the ball had struck the crossbar and not Young’s raised arm but there have since been claims a third party, having seen a replay, could have influenced the decision via their earpieces.
This would contravene Premier League rules forbidding both third-party influence and the use of replays and Hull have called for an investigation.
The Premier League are adamant nothing untoward occurred and a 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 there. Yet with numerous monitors around other parts of the ground and the match also having been televised live, Hull claim questions still need to be answered.
Manager Phil Brown said: “You look at people’s body languages and you look at the linesman, who was less than a yard away from Steve Bennett, and he wasn’t talking to him — but he was listening to something.
“There is a monitor down the tunnel which Sky control and literally five, six yards away is the fourth official, Howard Webb.”
He added: “Something did go on in the 92nd minute that has affected the result of the game. No doubt in my mind.”
“Until it is cleared, and I think there is already a grey area, the fourth official cannot change the mind of the referee.”
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