Ex-refs chief: ‘Lewis Smith made vital mistake before Freddie Potts red card’ in West Ham win vs Burton

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett criticizes referee Lewis Smith for initially pulling out a yellow card before correctly sending off West Ham midfielder Freddie Potts during their 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burton Albion.[2]

West Ham, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo and battling relegation in the Premier League, faced a tough challenge from League One side Burton at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday. Despite making 10 changes to their lineup, the Hammers labored through 90 minutes before extra time, where substitute Crysencio Summerville scored the decisive goal in the 95th minute.[4][5]

The match's turning point came in the 101st minute when Potts, a 22-year-old academy graduate who had entered as a substitute in the 71st minute, lunged into a reckless challenge on Burton attacker Julian Larsson. Potts missed the ball entirely, briefly lifting both feet off the ground in a scissor-like action, warranting a red card for serious foul play—his first in senior football.[1][2][3][4]

However, referee Lewis Smith initially reached for a yellow card, causing confusion among West Ham players as they attended to the injured Larsson. After deliberation, Smith retracted the yellow and issued the red, a decision replays confirmed as correct despite some fan frustration.[1][4][8]

Hackett, a former FIFA referee, told Football Insider exclusively that while the sending-off was right, Smith's initial yellow card gesture was a "vital mistake." He urged Smith to learn from the incident to avoid undermining his authority.[2]

West Ham held on with 10 men as Burton pressed late, with shots from Jack Armer, Kain Adom, Kyran Lofthouse, and Kgaogelo Chauke going close but not enough to force a upset.[4] Earlier, Smith correctly denied Burton a penalty when West Ham's Scarles fairly won a loose ball ahead of Kyran Lofthouse.[1]

Potts now faces a likely three-match suspension, potentially missing crucial games against Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Fulham as West Ham aim to escape the relegation zone.[2][3]

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