Ex-refs chief: Burnley player should have been sanctioned as Leeds controversy re-analysed
Scott Parker should have seen one of his stars punished after a baffling decision during Burnley’s 2-0 win over Leeds United.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Tim Robinson should have acted in an attempt to stamp out simulation at Turf Moor.
Daniel Farke’s side were condemned to their fourth defeat of the Premier League campaign, losing 2-0 after goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna on Saturday, 18 October.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was off-target yet again, but as the Whites attempted to get back into the game away from home, one of the opposition players embarrassed themselves right next to the referee.
Loum Tchaouna attempts to deceive Tim Robinson with ‘simulation’
With 10 minutes remaining, and Leeds pressing for a much-needed goal, Jayden Bogle picked up possession outside of the penalty box, fending off Tchaouna in the process.
Right under the nose of the referee, the Burnley man, who had previously scored a stunner, fell to the ground, apparently writhing in pain, only for Robinson to wave play on and ignore him.
Sadly for Farke, his team could not make the most of the situation, but after rewatching the previous clash, it was clear that Tchaouna had gone to ground deliberately, trying to stop Leeds‘ attack.
Hackett has previously referred to diving as a “disease”, so to watch the player get totally ignored on Saturday, he was extremely glad. However, further action could have been taken.
Keith Hackett wants further punishment for Burnley ace
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think there’s been a discussion between referees in recent weeks because, what I’m recognising, is when players go to ground, rather than instantly stopping play, referees are making a judgement.
“They want to keep the game going. The classic was with [Virgil] van Dijk elbowed his own teammate, but Michael Oliver concentrated on the attack.
“I’m seeing a shift from referees. Tim Robinson is in a great position, and the player goes to ground too easily, so he just totally ignores it. He doesn’t even wave on.
“It is amusing, but ultimately, either this is a route to stop simulation or stoppages, or the other route is Tim Robinson, thinking this was an act to deceive, it should be a card.
“I applaud the decision. If you’ve got feet or leg injuries, keep the game going. When it’s a head injury, take more care.”