'Unacceptable' - Ex-PGMOL boss slams referee over Ricardo Pereira controversy in Leicester City win
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Credit: Sky Sports Main Event
Harri Burton
Sat 30 August 2025 12:24, UK
Ricardo Pereira would have been sent off had VAR been in operation between Leicester City and Birmingham City, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, even without the technology, referee Joshua Smith was in a good position to brandish a red card at the King Power Stadium.
In the 76th minute, Pereira lunged into a challenge on Kyogo Furuhashi just outside the penalty area, with the full-back protesting his innocence as the Blues attempted to get back into the game on Friday, 29 August.
Abdul Fatawu, who had gained interest from Sunderland this summer, had given his side a slender lead after just eight minutes, giving Chris Davies‘ side hope of finding a late equaliser.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
However, after remaining on the pitch after his challenge, one which earned him a yellow card, Pereira popped up at the other end of the pitch to drive home Jeremy Monga‘s cross.
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Given that the 31-year-old was fortunate to still be on the pitch, it has become a major talking point from the clash between two teams aiming for promotion to the Premier League this season.
It was a moment that sent the King Power into jubilation, but it might not have happened at all had referee Smith correctly sanctioned the match-winner in the final 15 minutes.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It is difficult to understand that, from a very good viewing position, the referee pulled out the wrong coloured card.
His speed was without question fulfilling excessive force criteria.
This type of challenge is unacceptable, and most certainly, if VAR were in operation, that clear and obvious error by the referee would have been rectified.
A pity because up to this point, the referee was having a good game.”