Exclusive: Anthony Taylor hailed after Nketiah dive in Crystal Palace v Brighton
Keith Hackett has praised Anthony Taylor for “correctly applying the law” as Eddie Nketiah was shown a red card in Crystal Palace’s frenetic 2-1 win over rivals Brighton.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA exclusively told Football Insider the referee’s first decision to book the Eagles striker will hopefully “stimulate” other referees to punish dives in a similar manner going forward.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring with a wonderful strike in the third minute to give the Eagles the lead.
Former Man United striker Danny Welbeck restored parity just after the half-hour mark, poking home from a fine Yankuba Minteh cross.
Man City target Daniel Munoz then put Palace 2-1 up, driving home a low effort from the top of the box in the 55th minute.
However, despite the goal-scoring finishing just before the hour mark, the excitement continued as Taylor brandished an astonishing three red cards, with Nketiah, Liverpool target Marc Guehi, and Jan Paul van Hecke all being sent off.
Crystal Palace ace Eddie Nketiah receives rare booking for dive
After being brought on in the 68th minute for the masked Mateta, Nketiah drove into the box, latching onto the rebound from a Munoz cross.
The ex-Arsenal striker knocked the ball past Brighton left-back, Pervis Estupinan, before going to ground.
There appeared to be some small contact between the two, but Taylor emphatically signalled for a Seagulls free-kick, in spite of the protests from the aforementioned Palace players.
Nketiah was booked for his “simulation”, with the referee clearly holding the opinion the striker was intentionally trying to deceive him.
Just nine minutes later, the Palace striker received his marching orders for a high foot, with the 25-year-old having little room for complaints, and no positive impact for his side whilst on the pitch in a bad day at the office for the ex-Arsenal youngster.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Anthony Taylor decision
Having seen the footage, former PGMOL chief Hackett was inclined to agree with Taylor’s on-field decision, praising the referee for his positioning and decision-making.
The ex-FIFA referee also hoped the bold decision to show Nketiah a yellow card for diving would encourage other referees to do the same, telling Football Insider exclusively:
“Anthony Taylor was in a very good position, frankly having watched the clear act of simulation by Nketiah, he was left with no alternative than to issue a sanction.
“Sadly, this season, we have witnessed these types of actions going unpunished.
“Taylor deserves credit for correctly applying the law.
| Match stats | Crystal Palace | Brighton |
| Possession | 38% | 62% |
| Shots (on target) | 8 (3) | 11 (5) |
| Expected goals | 0.61 | 0.94 |
| Big chances (missed) | 0 (0) | 2 (1) |
| Corners | 2 | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 12 | 13 |
| Red cards | 2 | 1 |
“Let’s hope this might have an impact on players’ behaviour and stimulate other referees not to ignore this type of offence
“The high foot was reckless and was correctly sanctioned with a yellow card.
“This, given the earlier act of simulation and yellow card, saw Nketiah [correctly] sent off.”