‘He is fortunate’ – Ex-refs chief believes Fulham should've been awarded penalty vs Aston Villa

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Credit: Hasan Karim - Football Insider/Sky Sports Sun 28 September 2025 16:15, UK Aston Villa were incredibly lucky to survive a big penalty appeal in the first half of their Premier League clash against Fulham.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Marco Silva’s side should’ve been given a spot-kick for a handball infringement.Aston Villa came into the game in the Premier League relegation zone, with Emery publicly criticising his players following their draw with Sunderland last weekend.As for Fulham, they were looking to win their third top-flight game on the spin, after victories over Brentford and Leeds.Despite going a goal behind, it was Villa who came out on the winning side, with Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Emi Buendia firing Aston Villa to a 3-1 victory over Fulham.Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking MediaKeith Hackett believes Aston Villa were very lucky to not concede penaltyFulham striker Raul Jimenez was forced off with an injury in the first half, but not before he had given the Cottagers the lead, flicking home a header from Sasa Lukic’s corner.20 minutes in, Josh King burst through on goal and seemed to be taken out by Emiliano Martinez in the box, but instead was given a yellow card for simulation. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Moments later, the 18-year-old had a second penalty appeal, as his goalbound shot struck the hand of Aston Villa defender Matty Cash.Despite a VAR check, the spot kick wasn’t given, and the Premier League Match Centre account addressed the incident in a post on X (28 September), saying: “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Cash deemed not to be a handball offence, with the arm in a justifiable position.”Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett disagreed with the explanation and revealed that Cash was lucky to get away with the incident.He said: “Whilst it may appear harsh, there is no doubt that Matty Cash has made his body shape bigger to block the ball.

He is fortunate that he didn’t have a penalty kick awarded against him.”#AVLFUL – 24’ The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Cash deemed not to be a handball offence, with the arm in a justifiable position.— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 28, 2025 View Tweet Josh King continues to impress for FulhamKing has been a threat all season for Fulham, but was especially impressive during the first half at Villa Park.The Villans’ defence were unable to deal with the young attacker, who got in behind on a number of occasions.For the handball incident, the England under-19 international weaved between multiple Villa defenders before releasing his shot towards goal.King was cruelly denied his first Premier League goal against Chelsea back in August, but will surely find the back of the net eventually if he continues his good form.