adminEx-PGMOL boss: Fulham star deserved red card after ‘blatant’ incident vs Leeds United
Marco Silva’s Fulham side were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men during their clash with Leeds United on Saturday.
According to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider, referee Chris Kavanagh missed a “blatant” act of dissent at Elland Road on 17 January.
Hackett, who has been critical of Kavanagh throughout the 2025-26 season, questioned several of the official’s decisions and raised concerns over why Howard Webb continues to deploy him in the Premier League.
Previously, Nico O’Reilly escaped a red card against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg — another match where Kavanagh officiated at St James’ Park.
Lukic narrowly avoids dismissal against Leeds
During the first half at Elland Road, Timothy Castagne, Sasa Lukic, and Ethan Ampadu were all booked, while Silva himself received a caution for his behavior on the sidelines.
Around the 30-minute mark, Lukic could have been shown a second yellow card, which would have meant a straight red for the Serbian midfielder.
However, Kavanagh appeared to overlook the incident. Lukic had kicked the ball away in frustration — an offense similar to one Ampadu was later penalized for — yet the referee chose not to issue a second yellow.
While Lukas Nmecha’s winning goal ultimately decided the match, Hackett insists the decision remains a significant talking point for refereeing standards.
Hackett slams Kavanagh for ‘bottling’ red card
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, Hackett said:
“In law, he has to give a second yellow. This was a blatant act of dissent, which should have been punished with a second yellow and a red card.”
Lukic, no stranger to bookings, picked up his sixth yellow of the league season at Elland Road, adding to the 12 he accumulated in the 2024-25 campaign.
Hackett believes Silva must address these disciplinary issues, not only with Lukic but with the entire squad, to prevent avoidable suspensions for dissent in the Premier League.
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