Portsmouth v Stoke Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL chief reacts instantly to big controversy
Callum Lang deliberately deceived the officials to win Portsmouth a penalty against Stoke City on Wednesday night, according to Keith Hackett.
The former referee, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, has revealed he felt Stoke were harshly punished as Josh Wilson-Esbrand was penalised for a push on Lang inside the first five minutes at Fratton Park (22 January).
Colby Bishop dispatched the spot-kick to give Pompey the lead, before Lang himself scored his 10th of the campaign just five minutes later in a rapid start.
John Mousinho’s side are looking to extend their impressive home run of form and avenge October’s 6-1 drubbing at the bet365 Stadium in the reverse fixture.
“The Portsmouth forward has felt a touch from the Stoke player and exaggerated his fall forward. He is guilty of an act of simulation and the referee has been deceived. Not a penalty kick for me,” Hackett explained.
“This is another example of the inconsistency of our match officials with regard to upper body challenges. At corner kicks they allow grappling. This is a slight contact and not a sustained push.
“PGMOL need to work towards a level of consistency on upper body foul challenges when arms and shoulders are involved.”
Portsmouth penalties this season
The penalty awarded by referee Josh Smith to Portsmouth on Wednesday is the fifth the Blues have received in the Championship this season.
Lang and Bishop have each scored both of the two penalties they have taken including Bishop’s controversially given one against the Potters, while now-departed forward Elias Sorensen missed from the spot against Oxford United in October.
Pompey won 14 penalties in the promotion season of 2023-24, with Bishop netting eight out of his 10 attempts, and Lang maintaining a 100 per cent record from four spot-kicks.
In other Portsmouth news, Ian Darke demands a “big signing” before the transfer deadline.
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