By Keith Hackett

16th Jan, 2023 | 3:30pm

Brentford news: Ex-Premier League referee baffled by Ivan Toney controversy as 'scandalous' footage analysed

Keith Hackett has insisted Ivan Toney “manufactured” the contact which won him a penalty as Brentford won 2-0 against Bournemouth on Saturday (14 January).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee couldn’t believe “experienced” VAR official Andre Mariner didn’t step in to recommend an on-pitch review of the incident.

As seen on BBC’s Match of the Day (1:09:04, 14 January), Brentford were awarded a penalty after Toney appeared to be upended by Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.

Replays showed that the Bees striker had actually locked arms with Senesi – who was left unable to escape.

Toney stepped up to dispatch the penalty and set his side on course for a 2-0 home victory over struggling Bournemouth.

Speaking post-match (as per Football Daily), Cherries boss Gary O’Neil hit out at the “scandalous” decision and revealed that he has demanded an apology from referee Jarred Gillett.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “To be honest with you, I think this is why VAR is there.

“I was disappointed that it didn’t come in and give a free kick.

“Andre Mariner was the VAR, he’s a very experienced referee. I would’ve expected him to say something.

“Toney manufactured the foul by locking arms with the defender, that’s for sure.”

Brentford sit eighth in the Premier League – just one point adrift of a European place.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are just one point outside the relegation zone with O’Neil yet to pick up a point since his permanent appointment.

In other news, Football Insider updates with Championship side in advanced talks to sign Bournemouth star.