Ex-Fifa official can’t believe Gabriel controversy as Arsenal footage screened
Keith Hackett has slammed the Premier League’s “nonsense” lighter touch initiative after Arsenal were denied a penalty for a shirt pull during their 0-0 draw with Newcastle last week (3 January).
The ex-Fifa and Premier League referee was speaking to Football Insider with the Gunners facing a fine for failing to control their remonstrating players after a new FA charge relating to the game.
As seen in footage from the Sky Sports Premier League Twitter account (3 January), Dan Burn can be seen hauling Arsenal defender Gabriel to the floor by pulling on his shirt as an offensive free-kick enters the box.
Speaking post-match and quoted by Sky Sports, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta blasted the “scandalous” decision not to award a spot-kick – with the incident extensively analysed by the VAR system.
During Sky’s post-match analysis, Gary Neville claimed the non-award of a penalty may be due to incoming PGMOL chief Howard Webb instructing VAR officials to avoid getting involved in “light touch” incidents.
Arsenal have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players following a seperate penalty shout during stoppage time.
The Gunners have until Tuesday (10 January) to answer the charge.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “This lighter touch initiative, for me, is nonsense.
“It gives players an excuse to hold their opponent.
“How can you judge what is or isn’t a lighter touch?
“It’s a holding offence, which has to be punished with a direct free-kick or a penalty. Referees need to apply the law.”
In other news, Football Insider updates on Arsenal and Chelsea’s race to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk after “huge” new offer.