By Keith Hackett

6th Apr, 2023 | 10:00am

Ex-Premier League referee hits out at Chelsea favourite as Ben Chilwell controversy re-analysed

Keith Hackett has insisted referee Andy Madley was “spot on” to disallow Ben Chilwell’s goal as Chelsea lost against Aston Villa on Saturday (1 April).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee dismissed claims in the media from ex-Blues favourite Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as “bias”.

As seen in footage posted to YouTube by Sky Sports (1 April), Chilwell thought he had equalised for Chelsea with a powerful header past Emiliano Martinez – but Madley was quick to disallow the goal for a foul on Ashley Young.

Ex-Chelsea striker Hasselbaink hit out at the decision at half-time on Sky Sports’ TV coverage, claiming the left-back used his hands naturally and accused Young of “making a meal” of the contact.

Aston Villa went on to claim a 2-0 victory over the Londoners, propelling them into European contention in the final quarter of the season.

The decision proved costly for Graham Potter, who was relieved of his duties as Chelsea boss on Sunday (2 April).

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the referee is in a really good position to spot it.

“Chilwell has a bent arm as he jumps up to head the ball, and then it straightens.

“That’s a push.

“Credit to the referee, because over the last two seasons or so we’ve seen a lot of controversy and wrong decisions in this area.

“Madley’s a relatively new referee on the elite list, and he’s stepped up and got this one absolutely spot on.

“Hasselbaink is going to be biased because he’s an ex-striker and he’ll have profited from those situations many times.”

In other news, Chelsea turn attention to 38-year-old manager after dazzling interview.