England Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref shocked by Stanway dive controversy v Wales – ‘Wow’
Georgia Stanway conned the referee as England Women were awarded a penalty against Wales Women, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Rhian Wilkinson’s side were wrongly punished for the opening goal of a 6-1 thrashing at Women’s Euro 2025.
Stanway kick-started the Lionesses’ victory on Sunday, 13 July, netting from the penalty spot before Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and Agnes Beever-Jones all got in on the action.
Jess Fishlock created another incredible moment for the Welsh, setting up the goal of the game for Hannah Cain, but the controversial penalty decision remained a hot topic at full-time.
England Women reach Women’s Euro quarter-finals
With France beating the Netherlands in the other game in Group D, Sarina Wiegman’s side secured their spot in the quarter-finals, setting up a clash against Sweden on Thursday, 17 July.
Hackett called for a rule change after Russo’s goal against France was ruled out for offside during their opening game of the tournament, so the Lionesses have also been on the wrong end of decisions.
However, it was Wales who were wrongly punished on this occasion, with the former referee suggesting that Bayern Munich‘s Stanway “manufactured” contact in the penalty area.
Referee Frida Mia Klarlund had originally awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, but after swift VAR intervention, a spot-kick was given for the midfielder to slot past Olivia Clark.
Wales Women wrongly punished
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Wow. They got that one wrong. That’s an act of simulation – it’s not a penalty kick. I will clarify that if the incident happens on the line, it is a penalty kick.
“However, this is an act of simulation, so it’s not a penalty kick for me. The referee has been caught out here. They need to watch for the actions of the player going to ground.
“This player has manufactured contact. The England player is already going down before there’s any contact from the Wales player. Wrong decision.”
The Lionesses currently hold the Women’s Euro title, having beaten Germany in the final, and Wiegman will be hoping to retain the trophy while out in Switzerland.