Ex-Premier League referee: Maguire will cause fights as controversial Man United footage emerges
Keith Hackett has insisted it is only a matter of time before Harry Maguire gives away a penalty against Man United with his “illegal” use of his arms.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed there was a “big risk” Maguire’s actions could cause mass brawls.
The Man United captain has long been known for his physical presence and constant use of his arms.
The latest incident came against Leicester City at the weekend when he seemed to hug Kelechi Iheanacho before he went on to foul Paul Pogba.
“The referee missed that one by Harry Maguire,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley after analysing the footage.
“Maguire’s got this habit now of wrapping his arms around, thinking he’s going to get away with it. Craig Pawson’s not the first referee to allow that to happen.
“That, for me, is a foul and should be penalised. We’ve got to send the right message out and be consistent as referees.
“In his next game, Harry Maguire could do the same and give a penalty kick away. He will turn around and say ‘Well I did that last game and got away with it’.
Asked why Maguire consistently gets away with it, Hackett said: “It’s an interesting question because he is getting away with it.
“Is there, in his own mind, a feeling that he’s going to be exposed by the speed of his opponent? Is he lacking in confidence?
“This is an ongoing saga with him and his illegal use of his hands and arms on opponents. It’s no good saying ‘I’m getting away with it’.
“This is where Mike Riley comes in as the boss, he’s got to say ‘Right guys, we can’t ignore this. Football is not about the strength, it’s about skill’.
“The big risk is when a player is held, the elbow could be used as a weapon to break free. Then the problem will escalate.
“For me, it’s just common sense and safety refereeing, penalise it and he will stop doing it.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has dropped a ‘massive’ Man United claim as a £1bn venture is on the cards.