Credit: Watford YouTube / Sky Sports Football

Harri Burton

Mon 18 August 2025 17:50, UK

Tony Harrington had no other choice but to send off Imran Louza during a 2-1 win for Watford over QPR, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the Watford midfielder’s position may have been unfortunate, the referee was forced to issue a red card for the challenge.

Paulo Pezzolano’s side were seeing out their 2-1 win a Vicarage Road on Saturday, 16 August, with on-loan striker Luca Kjerrumgaard netting twice in the opening 45 minutes.

Kieran Morgan grabbed one back for the visitors just before the half-time whistle, with QPR attempting to pile on the pressure in the remaining minutes in an attempt at scoring a very late equaliser.

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

QPR were given a sliver of hope in the third minute of added time when Louza was sent off for a high tackle on Jonathan Varane, with both players challenging for a bouncing ball on the halfway line.

While many saw it as an innocuous late tackle from the Moroccan, Harrington immediately dished out the red card, and supporters continued to argue against the decision long after full-time.

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There were another four long minutes of added time following the sending-off, but despite the one-man advantage, QPR could not equalise in the dying seconds for their second draw of 2025/26.

It saw Watford rise to 14th in the Championship table, while QPR fell to 18th, and while fans continued to argue about the red card, Hackett has issued a definite answer to the controversy.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “His foot is in the air, so he’s going to get a red card.

He might be unfortunate with how he got his leg in the air.

Keith Hackett supported Tony Harrington’s decision.

“But that’s all the referee needs to see.

Red card, nailed on.”

The Hornets will turn their attention to facing Swansea City on Saturday, 23 August, but it will be without Louza, who will be on the sidelines as he serves his suspension.

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