‘Disease in our game’ – Ex-refs chief tears into Noni Madueke as England footage re-analysed
Noni Madueke deserved not to be awarded a spot-kick after the England winger went to ground inside the penalty area against Andorra, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Mohammad Al-Emara was in the perfect position to wave away calls as the player attempted to buy a penalty.
Madueke forced Christian Garcia into scoring an own goal on Saturday, 6 September, before Declan Rice sealed the win with a header just before being replaced in the 67th minute.
Another bright spark came from England debutant Elliot Anderson, who Thomas Tuchel praised for his outstanding performance in their World Cup qualifier victory.
In the 88th minute, however, the Three Lions felt they had the chance to score a third at Villa Park, but the referee was unmoved as the Arsenal winger appeared to be dragged to the floor by two Andorran defenders.
Noni Madueke accused of diving in England victory
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea this summer, playing back-up to Bukayo Saka, but instead of being praised for his impact against Andorra, he has been slammed for his last-gasp antics.
With Harry Kane on the pitch, Tuchel undoubtedly would have watched the Bayern Munich star fire home from 12 yards, but Hackett has instead hit out at the winger for simulation.
Players, as well as fans left Villa Park feeling frustrated due to a lacklustre performance, and now, one of England’s brightest performers has been slammed for his attempt to win a penalty.
Keith Hackett hails referee Mohammad Al-Emara at Villa Park
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think he’s hunting for one [a penalty]. The referee is in a brilliant position, and he’s made the judgment that the player is going down before there’s contact.
“England may feel slightly aggrieved by the decision, and I can fully appreciate that had the referee not been in a good position, VAR would have possibly come in.
“But the referee is ideally positioned, and he’s deemed that the England player is searching for a penalty kick. I applaud the referee. He and his colleagues kept out of it and allowed the game to flow.
“He got the judgment right. The player’s looking for it and trying to simulate the award of a penalty kick, which is the disease in our game which no one is trying to do anything about.”