Former Premier League referee reveals 'error of judgment' during Burnley's draw with West Brom

Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The incident came in the second half when the ball struck the arm of Baggies defender Kyle Bartley – bringing strong appeals from Clarets players.

And Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, agrees that the officials and VAR got it wrong.

He said: “I think it’s an error of judgment.

"I think they’ve looked at it too analytically, I think it’s a penalty – you put your arm out there.

"There are a few good clues, that when the ball bounces in front of Brownhill and Bartley, Bartley’s arms are actually by his side.

"He puts his arms out, whether he put his arms out because he’s trying to chest the ball, I don’t know, but he clearly puts his arms out, bounces up and strikes his arm.

Gallagher compared the incident to Matty Cash’s handball for Aston Villa against Southampton, a few weeks ago.

He added: "I think it’s very much like the Matty Cash one a few weeks when I felt that should have been a penalty as well.

"That’s a good starting point, if you have your arms out that wide, you are going to run the risk and I think you should be punished.”