Brighton news: Ex-Fifa official swipes at Alexis Mac Allister as controversial footage analysed
Keith Hackett has swiped at Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for trying to con the referee in Argentina’s penalty shootout win over France in the World Cup final on Sunday (18 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official insisted the referee was in the perfect position to judge when Mac Allister appealed for a penalty.
As shown on the full match replay on BBCiPlayer, in the 62nd minute, the 23-year-old wanted a spot-kick when he went down under the challenge from Dayot Upamecano.
It was a challenge similar to the one that Theo Hernandez made on Mason Mount during France’s quarter-final victory over England.
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak waved away Argentina’s appeals and they were denied an opportunity to extend their lead.
“My view was, look where the referee was, his proximity to play was brilliant and look how he accelerated,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Throughout the game, he was almost 15 yards within any incident at any time.
“Look at his positioning and he’s positive with his decision-making. This was the foundation of his performance, his ability to read and anticipate the next phase. As a result, he wasn’t standing on his feet, he was going forward.
“I think the player was looking for it.”
Mac Allister provided the assist for Argentina’s second goal but was taken in extra time.
He ended his World Cup with two goal contributions in six starts as his country won the tournament for a third time.
In other news, Brighton & Hove Albion are plotting a move to sign a forward and £3million could seal the deal.