Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has criticized the officiating during the Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United match, highlighting a missed penalty decision involving Amad Diallo that could have impacted the outcome of the game.
In the match where Casemiro, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolo Savona, and Amad Diallo all found the back of the net, there was a controversial incident in the 71st minute when Amad challenged Murillo inside the penalty area for a high ball. Despite clear contact between Amad’s arm and the ball, the referee did not award a penalty, and United went on to score the equaliser.
Hackett expressed disbelief at the failure to award a penalty in this situation, citing the contact between Amad’s arm and the ball as a clear indication of handball. He questioned the referee’s decision-making and the lack of intervention from VAR, emphasizing that the incident should have been an easy call for both officials.
In an exclusive interview with Football Insider, Hackett criticized both the referee, Darren England, and the VAR official, Tim Robinson, for their handling of the controversial call. He highlighted his belief that the contact and subsequent ball movement clearly indicated a handball offense, making it a straightforward decision that should have been supported by VAR intervention.
Hackett expressed concern over the officiating standards in the match, questioning the judgment of the officials and expressing alarm at the failure to recognize what he perceived as a blatant handball offense. By raising these issues, Hackett emphasized the need for consistency and accuracy in refereeing decisions to ensure fair play and integrity in football matches.
