Luton Town have every right to feel hard done by after the penalty awarded against them in their 2-0 defeat to fierce rivals Watford, according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.
The ex-FIFA official believes the decision to penalise Hatters goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski was a “harsh” call, insisting the Belgian was making a legitimate attempt to win the ball when he challenged Mamadou Doumbia inside the area.
Watford’s victory at Vicarage Road on Sunday eased the mounting pressure on manager Tom Cleverley, but the manner in which the Hornets took the lead has sparked debate.
Penalty Decision Raises Eyebrows
Referee Andrew Kitchen pointed to the spot inside the opening ten minutes after Kaminski was adjudged to have fouled Doumbia as he attempted to gather a loose ball.
Luton defender Mads Andersen had been attempting to usher a forward pass back to Kaminski when Doumbia nipped in between them, drawing the foul as the keeper slid in to claim possession. Tom Dele-Bashiru converted the resulting penalty, before Edo Kayembe doubled Watford’s advantage later in the first half.
While the decision stood, Hackett believes it was a tough call on the struggling Hatters.
“It’s the actual action of the goalkeeper – is he going for the player, or is he making a genuine attempt for the ball? Now he can make a genuine attempt for the ball but in doing so he fouls his opponent. But for me, I think his arms are not aimed at bringing the player down. I think he’s actually genuinely gone for the ball. I think it’s a harsh call, it’s a harsh penalty kick, I think Luton can feel a bit aggrieved about it.”
Luton’s Struggles Deepen as Watford Chase Play-Offs
The defeat leaves Luton bottom of the Championship table and extends their winless streak to eight matches under manager Matt Bloomfield, who is still searching for his first victory since taking charge from Wycombe.
At the other end, Watford’s win keeps them in contention for a play-off spot as they prepare for a crucial clash against Stoke City on Saturday (1 March). Luton, meanwhile, face another tough test at home to Portsmouth on the same day as they desperately seek a lifeline in their relegation battle.
Writer’s View
Luton’s frustration over the penalty decision is understandable, particularly given their current form and league position.
While officials have to make split-second judgments, this one arguably lacked the necessary clarity for such a game-defining call.
