London, January 1:

English Premiership newcomers Hull want an investigation into claims a third party prompted referee Steve Bennett to overturn a late penalty he had awarded in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

Bennett initially awarded Hull the injury-time spot-kick in the belief Ashley Young had handled the ball on the line, but changed his mind after talking to his assistant Andy Halliday, who correctly told him the ball had struck the bar.

However, chairman Paul Duffen wants an investigation into claims a third party illegally used video replays and the officials’ earpieces to advise them. “All we are saying is that the events bring into question who exactly did influence the referee,” Duffen said.

“I would like a report from the match officials and confirmation of who was talking in the earpiece. There is a concern that somebody (else) was using video evidence.” League rules do not allow third party influence or the use of video replays. Duffen said he had spoken to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, who “assured me he will ask questions and come back to me.”