Ex-FIFA ref backs Chris Sutton and rips into cheating Rangers player
Chris Sutton was right to call out Bojan Miovski for attempting to win Rangers a penalty against Celtic, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that it was a clear dive from Russell Martin‘s new signing in the seventh minute, as Ibrox called out for a spot-kick to be given.
Referee Don Robertson quickly waved away any calls early in the match, an Old Firm derby which ended goalless on Sunday, 31 August, despite plenty of build-up to the clash.
Brendan Rodgers, who is not tempted to leave Celtic yet, Football Insider understands, would have been by far the happier manager at full-time, but Martin will have been relieved to get a point.
Chris Sutton hits out at Bojan Miovski vs Celtic
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
With both Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane sold by Rangers during the summer transfer window, Miovski, the former Aberdeen striker, has been chosen to lead the line at Ibrox.
He is someone known extremely well by Liam Scales due to their time at the Pittodrie Stadium, and it was the centre-back who got caught up in an incident against the North Macedonian striker in the penalty area.
Miovski was absolutely certain that a penalty should have been awarded, and so too did the Ibrox crowd, but Sutton, who was on punditry, accused him of diving live on air.
Rangers star sparks calls for increased intervention
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the incident and Sutton’s comments, saying: “This is really an act of simulation. I have no doubts that if the game is going to stop these types of actions from players, it must intervene.
“It’s difficult for referees, but I think this is where we probably need an increased intervention of VAR and adding to the current list of where there are acts of simulation, a sanction can be issued. But, of course, with a yellow card, VAR cannot intervene.
“So for me, Chris Sutton’s spot on. This is an act of simulation. It’s not a penalty kick. And therefore, if the penalty kick’s not awarded, and it wasn’t, then the player should be cautioned.
“It was a game that was well refereed, compliments to him, but I think he should have received a yellow card here.”