Keith Hackett: Blackburn’s Dom Hyam Deserved Red Card in Norwich Clash
Blackburn Rovers defender Dom Hyam should have been sent off during his side’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett insisted that referee Leigh Doughty failed to spot Hyam catching Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the face with his arm—a textbook case for retrospective review.
New Era Begins for Blackburn Amid Managerial Changes
Saturday’s draw (1 March) marked the start of a new chapter for Blackburn Rovers, following John Eustace’s departure to manage Derby County last month.
New boss Valerien Ismael took charge for the first time at Ewood Park after several high-profile names, including Gary O’Neil, Steven Gerrard, and Richie Wellens, had been linked to the role.
Controversy Surrounds Blackburn’s Draw with Norwich
The match ended in dramatic fashion, with substitute Emmanuel Dennis receiving a red card for the hosts in the final five minutes of normal time.
Norwich’s Ante Crnac appeared to have snatched a late winner in the 90th minute, only for Andi Weimann to equalize deep into stoppage time, salvaging a point for the Canaries.
However, an earlier flashpoint involving Hyam and Gunn could have changed the course of the game.
After Gunn caught a cross inside his own penalty area, he prepared to launch a quick counterattack—only for Hyam to step across his path and throw out an arm that struck the goalkeeper in the face, sending him to the ground.
Referee Doughty took no action at the time, but Hackett believes Hyam was incredibly lucky to escape punishment.
Hackett Calls for Retrospective Action
When asked by Football Insider whether Hyam could face retrospective punishment, Hackett was clear in his verdict:
“If ever there was a requirement to re-referee an incident, this is it. A clear arm to the goalkeeper’s face. A red card offence that should have been spotted by the referee.”
Despite the controversy, both Blackburn and Norwich remain in contention for a Championship play-off spot as the season heads into its final stretch.
