Referee expert Keith Hackett comments on Connor Ogilvie sending-off against Oxford United

Portsmouth defender Connor Ogilvie was shown a red card during their 2-2 draw with Championship relegation rivals Oxford United, a decision that has divided opinion but earned backing from former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett.

Ogilvie’s dismissal came early in the match, in the 17th minute, following a rash and forceful challenge on Oxford’s Stanley Mills, not long after Keshi Anderson had fired Portsmouth ahead.

Hackett told Football Insider that the tackle was excessive and dangerous, arguing that the red card was justified. “The referee judged this incident very accurately,” Hackett said. “Ogilvie committed a serious foul play challenge, off the ground and out of control, clearly endangering the safety of his opponent. Red for sure – well done referee.”

Despite Hackett’s assessment, Portsmouth boss John Mousinho and many fans felt the decision was harsh. On live television, Sky Sports pundits Tim Sherwood and Jamie Mackie suggested that a yellow card would have sufficed, claiming Mills exaggerated the impact of the tackle. Mousinho, visibly frustrated after the match, confirmed the club plans to appeal the decision, particularly as Ogilvie will now miss crucial upcoming fixtures against Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City. Backup left-back Zak Swanson remains sidelined through injury, leaving the team shorthanded.

The result leaves Portsmouth just outside the Championship relegation zone with six games remaining in the season, meaning Ogilvie’s absence could have significant consequences for their survival hopes. Hackett, however, praised referee Joshua Smith for making a firm call under pressure, highlighting the importance of protecting players in high-stakes matches.

Mousinho acknowledged the unexpected nature of the red card: “My take in real time was that nobody in the stadium expected it, including Oxford. If you’re going to make a decision this monumental, you have to be 100 per cent sure. We’ll definitely appeal.”

While the controversy will continue to be debated, Hackett’s expert opinion underscores that, from a rules and safety perspective, the red card was warranted. Portsmouth now face the challenge of navigating the final stretch of the season without one of their key defenders, while Oxford United capitalized briefly on their numerical advantage before Andre Dozzell rescued a late point for the hosts.