Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref demands Donnarumma ban for ‘cheating’ in Arsenal vs PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been slammed by Keith Hackett for his “absolutely disgraceful” behaviour in PSG’s win over Arsenal.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that retrospective punishment should be introduced for acts of simulation such as the Italian’s at the Emirates, calling for him to face a ban.
Much of the build-up to the semi-final clash between the two European giants was dominated by tickets, or the lack of them, after Arsenal slashed PSG’s allocation.
The French champions did the same to the Gunners and Hackett advised Arsenal to complain to UEFA.
Things remained tense between the two teams even after the action was underway and after Ousmane Dembele gave PSG an early lead, before Jurrien Timber was fortunate not to give away a penalty after putting his arm across Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Arsenal then had their own penalty appeals after Mikel Merino was brought down by Joao Neves, but referee Slavko Vincic waved away the Gunners’ pleas.
Gianluigi Donnarumma takes a tumble as Arsenal search for equaliser
With the match nearing its finality, Arsenal, the masters of set-pieces this season, were awarded a corner and a final chance to find an equaliser.
PSG had been in near-total control for the entire game but were facing pressure from the home side after wasting several chances.
As soon as Declan Rice whipped in his cross, Donnarumma anticipated the slightest of contact from substitute Ben White and immediately tumbled to the ground.
Vincic quickly blew his whistle, much to the frustration of both the players and the home crowd, and the final whistle followed shortly.
Keith Hackett analyses foul on Gianluigi Donnarumma
Having reviewed the footage, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett gave his thoughts on the foul to Football Insider exclusively, calling for retrospective punishment to be introduced whilst questioning the praise for Vincic’s performance: “The football authorities must bring in retrospective punishment for acts of simulation.
“This absolutely disgraceful behaviour is ‘cheating’ and those that work to uphold the integrity of our great game must ensure that action is taken and the goalkeeper issued with a ban.
“This game was viewed around the world and does not set a good example of how the game should be played.
| Match stats | Arsenal | PSG |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Shots (on target) | 10 (5) | 11 (4) |
| Expected goals | 1.63 xG | 1.16 xG |
| Big chances (missed) | 3 (3) | 2 (2) |
| Corners | 3 | 1 |
“The IFAB [International Football Association Board], in the opening sentences of the Laws of the game, talk about the philosophy and spirit of our game.
“Then they must do something to ensure that these comments by them are not tarnished.
“I see praise for the referee last night, but his team have failed to see this action by the goalkeeper or penalising Saka for a non-foul [after the winger was penalised for a push on Nuno Mendes].”