Keith Hackett Can't Believe 'Very Harsh' Red Card in Aberdeen Win vs Motherwell

In a highly controversial Scottish Cup match at Pittodrie, Aberdeen secured a 2-0 victory over Motherwell to advance to the quarter-finals, but the game was overshadowed by multiple red cards, particularly one deemed "very harsh" by former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.[1]

The drama unfolded just three minutes in when Motherwell midfielder Oscar Priestman was sent off by referee John Beaton for a challenge on Aberdeen's Lyall Cameron. Motherwell goalkeeper Matty Connelly had played a loose pass, which Aberdeen's Dennis Geiger intercepted and fed to Cameron. Priestman, one of the few defenders back, slipped while attempting to recover, bringing Cameron down on the edge of the penalty area.[1]

Beaton immediately brandished a red card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO), allowing Kevin Nisbet to score from the free-kick. Aberdeen were soon down to 10 men too, as Geiger received his marching orders in the 23rd minute for a dangerous tackle. Motherwell's woes deepened after halftime when centre-back Liam Gordon was dismissed, leaving them with nine players. Graeme Shinnie sealed the win for Aberdeen just past the hour mark.[1]

Hackett Blasts Beaton's 'Incorrect' Decision

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-FIFA referee and PGMOL head Keith Hackett criticized the red card to Priestman as "incorrect" and "very harsh." He argued it did not meet DOGSO criteria, noting replays showed the ball heading towards Connelly, who was in position to gather it, with other Motherwell players goalside of Cameron.[1]

"The defender slipped, and the sanction is very harsh," Hackett stated, emphasizing Beaton's error in judgment.[1] The incident has fueled ongoing debates about refereeing standards in Scottish football, with Hackett's expertise highlighting flaws in the application of VAR and DOGSO rules.

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