Ex-PGMOL chief: Cheating players to blame for ‘dilemma’ over Liverpool vs Man United stoppage controversy
Michael Oliver should not be blamed for the controversy surrounding Alexis Mac Allister’s head injury against Man United.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referees have been given a very difficult job of controlling situations due to simulation.
Hackett previously described diving as a “disease” in football after Noni Madueke tried to buy a penalty for England back in September, and players continue to win penalties or stop play in this manner.
This could be one of the reasons why, when Mac Allister went to ground at Anfield on Sunday, 19 October, Oliver allowed play to continue before Bryan Mbeumo scored the opener inside two minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister’s injury causes debate at Anfield
Home supporters were outraged by play being allowed to continue despite one of their stars on the floor, having been elbowed in the back of the head by Virgil van Dijk.
It was a massively key moment for both sides, as the Red Devils went on to take the lead just seconds later, and Mac Allister ended up needing treatment and a protective cap for his head.
Despite Cody Gakpo‘s equaliser, Harry Maguire scored a dramatic winner in the 84th minute, handing Ruben Amorim a rather unexpected win.
However, all too often, supporters are left frustrated by players wasting time or counting down the clock, and Hackett believes this might have come into Oliver‘s thinking when making a split-second decision.
Michael Oliver makes a split-second decision before Bryan Mbeumo’s goal
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It’s a massive dilemma for the referees. In this game, we had a very experienced referee. I think he will reflect on the situation.
“I have no doubt that he saw three players come together, didn’t have the best view, and saw the ball break quickly, heading towards the goal.
“While he was in proximity of that challenge, his concentration is on the play. This is a dilemma because we’ve seen last season, this season, of players simulating a head injury when they haven’t.
“A referee has to make a judgement, and while I have criticised some referees over the seasons, they’ve got a great deal of experience to get to that level.
“You’ve got to be careful of the risk element. Some referees are quite happy to blow the whistle for every alleged injury to give themselves a breather.
“I’m supporting Oliver. Some will say that play should have been stopped immediately, and I understand it, but we’ve got to get into a world where simulation, players rolling over, is gone.”