Hackett blasts Jeremy Simpson after Portsmouth controversy v Blackburn
Keith Hackett has been left unimpressed with the officials in Portsmouth’s 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park.
Pompey returned to winning ways on Saturday as Josh Murphy scored the only goal of the match in the first half, with very little goalmouth action on show.
With the win over Blackburn, John Mousinho’s side are now seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Although the game had very few interesting moments, there were some controversial refereeing decisions which left Hackett shocked.
Regan Poole avoids red card
In the first half, Pompey defender Regan Poole launched a late and rash challenge on Rovers forward Yuki Ohashi. The 26-year-old went into Jeremy Simpson’s book for the challenge, escaping a red card.
Given the reckless sliding tackle, many expected Poole to be sent off, but referee Simpson only produced the yellow card.
Hackett, an ex-FIFA official, believes that the referee got this decision wrong and he should have dismissed the Wales international.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Millwall | Away |
| Coventry | Away |
| Derby | Home |
| Norwich | Away |
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “One of the processes of a referee is to see, recognise, think and act. The wrong coloured card was produced.
“The challenge used excessive force and endangered the safety of his opponent with serious foul play that should be sanctioned by a red card.”
Portsmouth take a huge step to avoid relegation
Going into this game, Mousinho’s side had lost three of their last four Championship games and were too close to the drop zone.
The South Coast side were plum last at one stage of the season, and the 38-year-old manager was successful in engineering a move upwards.
Recent results once again increased the pressure on Portsmouth, but a win over Rovers has helped calm some of Pompey’s nerves. Mousinho’s target was to survive in the Championship this term, following their promotion, and the 2008 FA Cup winners are on course to do that.
On the other hand, Ismael’s side has now fallen out of the top 10 and are five points off the Championship play-off spots. The former Watford manager is yet to win a game at his new club as they lose grip on the race for a top-six spot.
Portsmouth now have two back-to-back away trips as they first face Millwall next Saturday (5 April) and then play Coventry City (9 April).