'Looking for an excuse' - Huge Aston Villa decision brought into question

Former Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett has stated he believes Douglas Luiz's goal versus Southampton should have been disallowed.

Hackett, who was employed by the Premier League from 1992-1994, spoke to Football Insider and outlined his opinion on the situation.

Where he stated: “He’s clearly blocked him there and it should have been given as a foul.

"“Peter Bankes is clearly a competent referee I just think he needed a bit of help on that one with VAR.

“They’ve blocked him. They might think it was too early in the move for VAR to come in.

“It’s one of those decisions that take place in the match, the referee’s got no view, more often than not they don’t penalise.

“Goalkeepers might have to be a bit stronger in those situations. Forster is a strong guy and a good goalkeeper, that’s probably why he didn’t get it, he was looking for an excuse.”

The quotes are referring to the build-up prior to Philippe Coutinho guiding a ball across the face of goal for Luiz to tap home on the brink of half-time.

Fraser Forster, the Southampton goalkeeper, was seemingly blocked off by the goal scorer Luiz. Danny Ings was then able to recycle the ball to Coutinho who linked up well with Calum Chambers, eventually leading to Villa doubling their lead.