As Leeds United put the finishing touches to their appeal of Gaetano Berardi's Millwall red card, the former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) insists the Swiss' dismissal will be overturned.
Berardi was given his marching orders by James Linington in the first half of Leeds' 2-1 defeat at The Den on Saturday, despite there being minimal, if any, contact on Tom Bradshaw.
The straight red brings with it an automatic three-match ban, but Leeds quickly confirmed on Sunday that they would be appealing it.
Leeds have until 1pm on Tuesday to submit any evidence to support the wrongful dismissal claim, with no strict time frame in place for The FA to make their decision.
And Keith Hackett, the former PGMOB general manager and FA Cup final and international referee, thinks it should be an open-and-shut case.
"Well what a very poor piece of officiating, Millwall v Leeds United," he tweeted. "Leeds will win their appeal against a red card. It was not a penalty kick, a clear act of simulation."
Well what a very poor piece of officiating, Millwall v Leeds United. Leeds will win their appeal against a red card. It was not a penalty kick, a clear act of simulation. Then to say it was DOGSO is just stupid. I would sit this ref on his hands for a month.
— KEITH HACKETT (@HACKETTREF) October 7, 2019
He then moves the debate forward onto accountability for referees, saying that he 'would sit this ref on his hands for a month', believing that poor performances should be see referees taking out of the firing line.
"The PGMOL no longer operates an appropriate accountability process," he continued. "I operated the business in a similar way to that of a Premier League manager. If a centre forward stops scoring he is replaced in the team. Should be no different for referees."
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