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Harri Burton

Mon 18 August 2025 16:39, UK

Peter Banks was right to punish Ibrahim Sangare following a controversial handball decision as Nottingham Forest beat Brentford, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Banks rarely put a foot wrong at the City Ground on Sunday, 17 August, so was right to award a penalty to the Bees.

Sangare had an immense game at the weekend, partnering up with Elliot Anderson in the centre of midfield, but he was unable to get out of the way as a juggling ball hit his arm inside the penalty area.

Of course, thankfully for Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side, it was a mere consolation goal for the visitors following a Chris Wood brace, sandwiching a smart header from new signing Dan Ndoye.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

It was a difficult pre-season for the Reds, but with Morgan Gibbs-White, who had been close to a Tottenham move, back in the side, their Premier League campaign got off to a flying start.

The playmaker, while he was not on the scoresheet, assisted Ndoye’s goal, but it was not the perfect afternoon for Forest as Igor Thiago was able to score from the penalty spot, taking away the clean sheet.

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While many home supporters were upset by the decision, failing to understand what Sangare could have done to avoid giving away the penalty, Hackett has backed Banks’ officiating at the City Ground.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I’ve been critical of this referee before, but I thought Peter Banks had a really good performance.

He kept low-key, kept the game moving, and didn’t overinterfere. 

“For me, it’s handball, so the decision is correct.

There’s movement of the hand; it’s not in a natural position, it didn’t come off the body, and he handled it.

It’s the right call. 

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side claimed victory against Brentford.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

“Well done, Peter Banks.
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