Ex-refs chief hits out over unpunished incident in Wrexham vs Southampton
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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Football Tue 7 April 2026 22:33, UK Josh Windass should have seen his goal ruled out for a blatant foul in the build-up between Wrexham and Southampton in the Championship.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Gavin Ward failed to punish Kieffer Moore’s illegal jump on Taylor Harwood-Bellis.The Red Dragons lost rather embarrassingly at the SToK Cae Ras, shipping five goals in a 5-1 defeat, but it should have been even worse for Phil Parkinson’s side on Tuesday, 7 April.Wrexham have now dropped out of the Championship play-off spots, thanks to the damaging loss, and Hackett doesn’t understand why Windass’ goal was allowed to stand in the first half.Wrexham are back in the game!Kieffer Moore nods the ball through to Josh Windass, who slots it into the bottom corner 👀 pic.twitter.com/MAG8ys0Aev— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 7, 2026 View Tweet Keith Hackett stunned as Josh Windass’ goal stands vs SouthamptonWith the goal halving the home side’s deficit at the time, it could have easily been a turning point against the Saints, but they would eventually run riot away from St Mary’s Stadium. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Moore is known by international referees for being very dominant and careless when challenging in the air, but the referee failed to recognise this when he took out Southampton’s No.6 on the night.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Wrexham’s only goal on the night, the former referee said: “The goal should have been ruled out following a clear foul in the build-up.WrexhamvsSouthampton54%Possession46%11Shots162Shots on target91Big chances512Fouls committed103Corners4“The foul was a clear push on the defender to take him out of the game.”Travelling fans destroy refereeing decision at SToK Cae RasAway fans were furious to see Wrexham get away with “murder” for Windass’ goal, and they certainly would have made more out of the incident had the Saints failed to secure three points.Referee gift.
One of the most blatant fouls I’ve seen all season.— Glen de la Cour (leagueoneminus10) (@L1minus10) April 7, 2026 View Tweet Might wanna teach the officials the rules again cause that's a foul all day long— Alfie Fletcher (@AlfieFletcherYT) April 7, 2026 View Tweet However, Kuryu Matsuki, Flynn Downes, Cyle Larin, Ross Stewart and Finn Azaz got in on the action to ensure that all three points went back to St Mary’s Stadium.While it didn’t have a lasting impact on the result, it certainly raises questions over the ability of referees in the Championship, with Premier League officials also taking a lot of slack. 🏆 Championship Insider Access Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.