Credit: Imago / beIN Sports

Harri Burton

Mon 2 March 2026 12:00, UK

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Everton cannot fully blame Dan Burn following his altercation with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in Newcastle United’s defeat to Everton.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Premier League stars feigning injury are to blame for players lashing out at those on the floor.

Gabriel Martinelli was hounded by opposition fans after attempting to push an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch, a player who needed to be stretchered off with a season-ending knee problem.

There was a range of potential punishments emerging after the incident, including fines and multiple-game suspensions, but the Arsenal attack went unpunished in January.

• Read more: Eddie Howe edges closer to Newcastle United sack after scenes at Everton.

Dan Burn causes controversy by picking up injured Everton star

Arsenal supporters, joining Everton fans, are furious that Burn has not been met with the same fallout after trying to pick up Dewsbury-Hall at St James’ Park on Saturday, 28 February.

The Magpies were once again chasing the result, having seen their equaliser instantly cancelled out by Thierno Barry, and emotions were riding high in the North East.

Stuart Attwell dealt with the situation, showing the centre-back a yellow card, before Dewsbury-Hall was then substituted, but that was more likely tactical, with Michael Keane coming on in his place.

Fans from around the Premier League believe that the Newcastle defender should be retrospectively punished, but that is unlikely, given that Attwell dealt with it at the time.

• Read more: Alan Shearer ripped into Nick Woltemade after what he spotted at St James’ Park.

Premier League stars to blame for Newcastle star’s actions

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “This is what players have brought upon themselves. The feigning of injury is almost into the era of the laughable. It’s so bad.

“It’s the worst form of acting we want to see. It’s cheating. But what they fail to recognise is that they’re putting players at risk. If a player sustains a back or head injury, someone else picking them up is the last thing you want.

“I don’t recommend any player taking this form of action. What the PFA need to do is talk to players, explaining that feigning injury is a big no-no.

“If a player recognises someone else trying to cheat, let the referee deal with it. If a player is really injured, they’re more than likely going to be motionless, not rolling around.”