Ex-Fifa official on Man United injustice as Bruno Fernandes fumes at controversy
Referees are inconsistent on holding offences in the penalty area but Chelsea deserved their penalty in the 1-1 draw with Man United on Saturday (22 October).
That is the view of ex-Fifa, Uefa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Scott McTominay’s challenge on Armando Broja.
McTominay was holding Broja back as they challenged to meet a Ben Chilwell corner and Stuart Attwell immediately pointed to the spot.
Bruno Fernandes told Sky Sports after the game that similar challenges go unpunished in every Premier League game as he questioned the decision.
“I think he’s right in terms of the inconsistency of referees on holding offences,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“What we have seen this week, and I just wonder if someone has whispered in the ear of the referees, is more than one penalty kick given for a holding offence.
“The decision here is absolutely spot on, there’s no question that’s a penalty kick.
“Nobody has questioned the consistency on holding offences in the penalty more than me. He’s quite right, there has been an underlying inconsistency on this.
“Watch this space because I think someone has whispered in the ear of referees to say ‘Look, we want to toughen up’. That might be the new select group one manager Jon Moss.
“Again, I thought the referee had a good game in this match.”
Casemiro scored for Man United just before full time to earn his side a point at Stamford Bridge.
Erik ten Hag’s side are now sixth in the Premier League, just a point behind the Champions League places.
In other news, a medical insider has issued a “headline-grabbing” claim as a Man United “conspiracy” is explained.