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FOOTBALL

HULL TV CLAIM OVER REF IS SWITCHED OFF

CLOSE CALL: But Ashley Young did not make contact

Friday January 2,2009

By Harry Talbot

THE Premier League have dismissed a request from Hull to investigate claims that television replays could have influenced referee Steve Bennett’s decision to overturn a penalty decision at the KC Stadium this week.

The Tigers thought they had earned a late lifeline in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa when Bennett pointed to the spot in injury time for an apparent handball by Ashley Young.

Bennett changed his mind following protests by Villa and discussions with his assistant Andy Halliday. The duo correctly agreed the ball had struck the crossbar and not Young’s hand.

Tigers chairman Paul Duffen called for an investigation into allegations that a third party could have used video replays and then advised the officials of the correct decision via their earpieces.

This would contravene Premier League rules which forbid third-party influence or the use of replays, but a spokesman said: “Keith Hackett [the referees chief] has spoken to Steve Bennett and the other match officials and what is absolutely clear is the decision was made between the assistant referee and the referee.”

I would be very interested in Jermaine Pennant if he was available at the right price

Phil Brown

Hull have joined the chase for Liverpool’s out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant, 25.

He has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish champions

Real Madrid but with that transfer still seeming unlikely, other clubs have been alerted to the availability of former Arsenal player Pennant.

Wigan, Tottenham and Stoke have all been linked to Pennant, who has failed to impress in two-and-a-half years at Anfield, and now Hull have revealed their interest.

Manager Phil Brown said: “I would be very interested in Jermaine Pennant if he was available at the right price. We will be making enquiries.”

A move for Pennant this month would come 10 years after Arsenal made headlines by paying Notts County £2million for the then 15-year-old.

He failed to fulfil his potential with the Gunners and later joined Birmingham before his £6.7m switch to Liverpool. Hull are looking to strengthen during the transfer window to consolidate their position in the top half of the Premier League.

The Tigers have also been linked with Wigan midfielder Michael Brown but Phil Brown has denied making an approach.

He said: “We have got a number of irons in the fire, but just because the transfer window opens doesn’t mean to say everyone jumps into business straight away.

“A lot of these windows start with the big boys, and once they start to do their dealings everyone else follows suit.”

One piece of business that looks certain to go through is the signing of defender Kamil Zayatte on a permanent deal from Swiss side Young Boys. The Guinea international, 23, has made a big impression since joining the club on loan in August.

“We are very close,” said Brown. “Hopefully we will have something to announce very soon.”