Ex-Fifa official can’t believe ‘ridiculous’ Man United development as Antony caught on camera – ‘it’s stupid’
Keith Hackett has slammed the “escalation” of players feigning injuries after Man United winger Antony was caught on camera making a meal of minimal contact from Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp on Saturday (4 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee called on officials to “get a grip” of similar incidents as they are “detracting” from the spectacle of games.
In footage posted to Twitter (4 January), Antony could be seen going down after minimal contact from Schlupp before rolling around near the touchline at Old Trafford.
Moments later, the Brazil international quickly leapt to his feet in order to take part in the mass melee which ensued.
Man United midfielder Casemiro was sent off for his part in the altercation after putting his hands around the neck of Palace ace Will Hughes.
10-man United held on to secure a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Faking injury like this is a way of trying to tactically reduce the amount of playing time.
“It’s gone to the ridiculous, with players just falling over for fun.
“The problem is that we’re going to end up with a player who is seriously injured, but he’ll be ignored by the referee because he thinks he is feigning injury.
“I think that the game, as a whole, needs to get a grip of this. It’s detracting from games, and something needs to be done.
“This escalation in these kinds of incidents is not good. Players are using it to delay the game.
“Referees must be aware of it. It’s difficult to take action, but they’ve got to work with the organisations to stop it.
“It’s stupid.”
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