FORMER referee chief and FIFA-list official Keith Hackett has explained why VAR couldn’t intervene to send Anwar El Ghazi off despite his “actions being overlooked by the referee.”

Aston Villa’s Dutchman El Ghazi was lucky to escape a second yellow card during Saints’ 1-0 victory over the Midlands side on Friday, which spelled the end of manager Dean Smith’s tenure.

It only took a couple of minutes for Adam Armstrong to open from outside the area, but it could have gone from bad to worse for the visitors after El Ghazi was booked for pulling down Tino Livramento.

He esacaped a second caution for a similar bookable offense shortly after, before going down inside the Saints are in what looked like a blatant dive again in the first half.

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But referee Andy Madley didn’t spot the act of deception despite not awarding a penalty kick in Villa’s favour, and VAR were unable to intervene.

Daily Echo: Keith Hackett became general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board in his retirement (Pic: PA)Keith Hackett became general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board in his retirement (Pic: PA)

Former chief of refereeing in England and one of the most recognisable names in officiating, Hackett, has explained how El Ghazi escaped further punishment.

The 77-year-old told the Daily Echo: "Yes, he should have received a second yellow for a reckless challenge.

“Referee Madley, who had a poor game, took no action.

“Later in the game, in a clear act of simulation to deceive the referee El Ghazi should have received a yellow card but again his actions were overlooked by the referee.”

He added: “VAR, of course, could not intervene because yellow cards are outside the criteria.”

The lack of decision did not affect the outcome of the game, and Saints were able to hold on for a third win in four Premier League matches.

Saints were also on the right end of a refereeing decision, as Oriol Romeu could have been punished for a tug on Tyrone Mings inside the area but nothing was given.