Ex-Uefa chief lambasts official as controversial Gabriel Jesus footage emerges from Arsenal
Keith Hackett has claimed Anthony Taylor was “inconsistent” during the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham last weekend (1 October).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Uefa and Premier League referee insisted Taylor was right not to award Arsenal a penalty in their 3-1 win at the Emirates.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, Gabriel Jesus fell to the ground in the penalty area after a challenge from Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.
Jesus had entered the box at pace and appeared to be sandwiched by the two defenders before he was able to complete his pass.
The incident was quickly checked by VAR and it was deemed that Taylor had not made a clear and obvious error.
Tottenham had a penalty of their own earlier on in the game after a Gabriel foul on Richarlison that was converted by Harry Kane.
“I thought there was a level of inconsistency in his performance in terms of interpretation of challenges,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It’s always difficult to get that judgement as to when you come in and don’t. I would have expected more consistency from him during the game overall.
“He was quick on the penalty for Spurs, I think he got that right.
“The one for Arsenal? I don’t know. When I first saw it, I thought he was in a good position to judge.
“I think there is some doubt and that’s why he didn’t give it. At the end of the day, this is one where you do rely on VAR.
“I think he’s right not to give it, I think it would have been a harsh decision. Generally, I think he got that one right.”
In other news, Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle on a £52million player contract.