'Wow' - Ex-PGMOL chief loves what 'outstanding' Thomas Kirk did in Crystal Palace vs Wolves
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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Mon 23 February 2026 13:15, UK Thomas Kirk should be commended for his refereeing style following his treatment of Will Hughes in Crystal Palace’s win over Wolves.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Palace‘s No.19 could have easily been sent off at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 22 February.The game was full of controversy, especially after Ladislav Krejci was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, while the Old Gold also missed a penalty to take the lead.Oliver Glasner‘s side would eventually seal all three points via a 90th-minute goal from Evann Guessand – his first since leaving Aston Villa, but it could have been very different for the Eagles.Already on a yellow card after 15 minutes, Hughes went charging into a challenge on Yerson Mosquera in the 24th minute, and the entire away end was calling for the midfielder to be sent off.Credit: ImagoRead more: Crystal Palace have been tipped to hire out-of-work manager to replace Oliver Glasner.Thomas Kirk deserves praise as Will Hughes avoids early red cardWhile the referee was criticised for Krejci’s sending off, Hackett wanted to praise the official for trying to keep as many players on the pitch as possible following his decision on Hughes. I’m telling you, that’s outstanding for a guy who is in his early games.
“He’s a great prospect and is destined for the top. I support the referee’s approach.
You can put it in the category of a yellow card, which would mean a red, but I think he’s done the right thing.”Read more: Crystal Palace have made a final plan for Oliver Glasner’s future.What did Crystal Palace fans make of the referee’s performance?Despite Hackett’s praise, Kirk’s performance was not faultless, with many baffled by the sending-off of Krejci after the centre-back kicked the ball away following the referee’s whistle.However, with such inexperience in the top tier of English football, the referee will only grow in confidence and common sense, or at least Howard Webb will hope so.Referees at tier 8 and 9 wouldn’t even give a yellow card for that Thomas Kirk is an idiot that was seconds after he blew the whistle and with how many times there are whistles from crowds it’s easy to take a few seconds for players to register the whistle blow https://t.co/CiJkfv0WtV— fearabush24 (@fearabush24) February 22, 2026 View Tweet How long can referee get away with this level of incompetence in respect of a) Wolves & blatant bias against them. b) inconsistent decisions (same game same ref, players pick ball up & running off with it. c) inadequate officiating of clear 🐀 tactics & gamesmanship, DISGUSTING— aliensausage (@72wolfie) February 23, 2026 View Tweet But this is Thomas Kirk. The same referee who sent off Grealish and Keane vs Wolves.