SHOCKING BLUNDER EXPOSED! Ex-Ref Boss Reveals the HUGE Referee ERROR That Almost Cost West Ham EVERYTHING Before Freddie Potts’ RED CARD Horror in Burton Thriller! You Won’t Believe What He Spotted!
Keith Hackett criticises referee Lewis Smith for initially showing a yellow card before dismissing Freddie Potts during West Ham’s FA Cup victory over Burton Albion.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee has told Football Insider that the decision to dismiss Freddie Potts was ultimately correct, though he believes referee Lewis Smith must reflect on how the situation was handled.
Initially, Smith appeared ready to caution the West Ham midfielder, only to change course after reassessing the incident and checking on the injured opponent.
Potts lunged into a late tackle on Burton attacker Julian Larsson in the 101st minute, an intervention that resulted in the first red card of his senior career.
The confusion stemmed from Smith briefly producing a yellow card before taking additional time to evaluate both the severity of the challenge and Larsson’s condition.
That momentary hesitation left several West Ham players puzzled as the referee reconsidered and upgraded the punishment to a straight red.
Despite the late drama, West Ham managed to withstand sustained pressure from Burton Albion and secure a narrow 1-0 victory at the Pirelli Stadium, booking their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Crysencio Summerville proved to be the match-winner, striking in the 95th minute to settle the tie against the League One side.
However, Potts’ dismissal now leaves the young midfielder facing a suspension at a crucial stage of the season, with the Hammers battling to climb out of the Premier League’s bottom three.
Reflecting on Smith’s performance, the former official stressed the importance of composure in such moments.
He explained that referees must allow themselves time to mentally replay incidents before reaching a final verdict.
In his view, producing the yellow card prematurely made it harder to convincingly “sell” the eventual red card decision, even if the punishment itself was justified.
The tackle, he added, was reckless, endangered the opponent’s safety, and met the criteria for serious foul play.
Potts now faces either a one-match or three-match suspension, depending on the disciplinary assessment. Given the force of the challenge, a three-game ban appears likely.
If confirmed, he would miss the upcoming clash with Bournemouth, followed by trips to Liverpool on 28 February and Fulham on 4 March, as West Ham fight to move clear of the relegation zone.
