Ex-Premier League referee demands investigation after Cristiano Ronaldo controversy at Man United
The PGMOL should launch an investigation into Newcastle United’s 0-0 draw with Man United, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict as Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal chalked off and Callum Wilson was denied a penalty.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day 2 programme, Newcastle wanted a penalty when it appeared that Raphael Varane tripped up Wilson inside the penalty area.
Later on, Ronaldo thought Fabian Schar had played a free-kick back to Nick Pope and he nipped in quickly to put the ball in the back of the net.
Craig Pawson judged that the free-kick had not been taken and he showed the 37-year-old a yellow card.
“I think this is a poor piece of refereeing,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“A referee at the elite level shouldn’t have this happen. He’s failed to manage the restart and Ronaldo has got a quicker brain than the referee.
“The player appeared to play the ball. He will say he was putting it in the right position. In fairness to the goalkeeper, he’s stood and done nothing.
“Frankly the referee, given what he’s done has little option other than to rule that goal out. I still think it was a poor piece of officiating.
“When we talk to referees and coach them we talk about managing the restart. He’s failed to manage the restart.
“He’s failed to recognise the actions of Ronaldo. He should’ve been blowing well before Ronaldo gets the ball anywhere near the opponent’s goal.
“It’s a poor piece of refereeing at this level. Here’s me saying I think he’s had a good start to the season but he’s gone to his normal mode. I don’t think he had a particularly good game, to be honest.
“I think if I was the PGMOL, I’d be asking for an explanation. I’d be wanting to know why a penalty wasn’t awarded to Newcastle and why did he allow this to happen.”
In other news, Man United superstars could now desert the club as a new Erik ten Hag plan is revealed.