Keith Hackett makes his feelings clear over George Dobson red card vs Chelsea
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Credit: TNT Sports Keith Hackett makes his feelings clear over George Dobson red card vs Chelsea Sat 7 March 2026 20:40, UK George Dobson can have no complaints after being sent off during a classic FA Cup tie between Wrexham and Chelsea this weekend.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that VAR perfectly assisted referee Peter Bankes to reach the correct conclusion on Saturday, 7 March.Phil Parkinson’s side caused plenty of problems for their Premier League opposition at the SToK Cae Ras, with the Blues needing a Josh Acheampong strike to send the game to extra time.As Liam Rosenior’s side threatened to find a buzzer-beating winner in normal time, Dobson flew into a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. The referee initially brandished a yellow card.After Chelsea ripped apart Aston Villa in the league, they eventually made it through to the next round of the FA Cup.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES ⚽ Chelsea Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Chelsea fixture at Stamford Bridge. VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUB Peter Bankes aided by VAR over George Dobson red cardBankes was instructed to take a second look at the pitch-side monitor, and from that moment, everybody in the ground expected the yellow card to be overturned and a red given instead.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the red card, the former referee said: “The decision to upgrade the yellow card to red after the intervention of VAR is the correct decision.“This is exactly how VAR can assist the referee and deliver the correct outcome of dismissal.
The challenge fulfilled the criteria for serious foul play.Credit: Imago“Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind, using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”What did Alan Shearer say about Dobson’s challenge?Other than Wrexham fans, the general consensus was that the challenge was a rather naughty one, and while it was a massive shame for the game, it was definitely a red card.Watching in real time, and speaking on BBC One, Alan Shearer said: “A naughty one. George Dobson knows what he is doing, and he catches Alejandro Garnacho high.”The Blues would eventually take advantage of the extra man, with Garnacho finding himself completely open at the back post, but it was an incredible performance from the Championship side.The stadium was nearly bouncing again in extra time, with Wrexham squandering a couple of big chances, but it was not to be as Chelsea advanced to the next round. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.