'Reckless' - Keith Hackett reacts as Matty Cash avoids red card in Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports
Harri Burton
Tue 2 September 2025 19:43, UK
Stuart Attwell made the right decision not to send off Matty Cash during a clash between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the referee is never afraid of brandishing a red card, there was not enough “excessive force” in the challenge.
After just 13 minutes, the Poland international went flying into a tackle on Daichi Kamada, leaving the midfield writhing in pain, and there was a brief VAR check at Villa Park on Sunday, 31 August.
A decision was made not to upgrade from the initial yellow card, but despite Unai Emery‘s side keeping 11 players on the field, it was a tough evening for the Villans.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Jean-Philippe Mateta picked up a bizarre booking after scoring the opener for the Eagles, with Marc Guehi and Ismaila Sarr rubbing more salt into the wounds of those at Villa Park.
Many saw the second goal as Guehi’s leaving present to Palace, with a medical booked ahead of an impending move to Liverpool, which eventually fell through on deadline day.
Credit: Imago
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Matters could have been even worse for Emery’s side had Cash been given his marching orders early in the first half, but Hackett was positive that the right decision had been made by all officials involved.
He said: “You’ve got Stuart Attwell here, and he’s not slow at bringing out the red cards.
If there is any doubt over the clarity, you cannot issue a red card.
(Credit Getty Images)
“I’m not 100 per cent sure about the excessive force in that challenge, and endangering the safety of an opponent.
I think it’s reckless and a yellow card, not excessive force and a red card.
“That’s the fine line you need to draw on those challenges.
Had he come in with his body leaning back, then I would have said it was a red card.
A yellow card is the right decision.”