Ex PGMOL Chief And FIFA Referee Backs McLean’s Back-Pass Call: Do Celtic’s Title Charge Deserve More Credit?
Ex PGMOL Chief And FIFA Referee Backs McLean’s Back-Pass Call: Do Celtic’s Title Charge Deserve More Credit? Celtic secured a gritty 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday, April 5, in a matchday 32 clash that carried massive importance for the title race. As expected with such high stakes, a few refereeing calls sparked heated debate after the whistle.
The loudest complaints from the Dundee camp centred on a back-pass incident that wasn’t given. However, former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett, now 81, fully supported Steven McLean’s decision in an exclusive chat with Football Insider. Hackett explained that because the ball hit an attacking player before getting to the keeper, the back-pass rule just didn’t apply.
He also noted that VAR likely helped McLean get it right, describing the officiating as sensible and the final call as “outstanding. ” Given Hackett’s history, refereeing the 1981 FA Cup Final and leading England’s match officials, his take carries serious weight. “It’s hit the attacking player, hasn’t it?
At first, I was looking at whether the ball had come off the body. I’ve seen screams for all sorts. “It’s only a back-pass if it’s off the boot.
On this occasion, it’s come off the opponent, and as a result, it negates the decision. That’s why the referee hasn’t given it. “To be honest, that’s an outstanding decision from the match official.