Exclusive: Patrick Dorgu ‘simulation’ fails in Man United v Athletic Club
Keith Hackett has reacted to appeals for a penalty from Man United left-back Patrick Dorgu during his side’s clash with Athletic Bilbao.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the decision not to award a spot kick was the correct one.
Man United took a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilabao into the second leg of their Europa League semi final clash at Old Trafford on Thursday (8 May).
They were though, denied the chance to go ahead on the night from the spot after Dorgu went down in the area early on.
Patrick Dorgu denied penalty vs Athletic Bilbao
Midway through the first half with the game still locked at 0-0, Dorgu broke into the visitors’ penalty area but went to ground after a push in the back from opposition full-back Andoni Gorsabel.
Although the Denmark international was left appealing for a penalty, referee Daniel Siebert initially elected not to point to the spot.
| Patrick Dorgu 2024/25 Premier League stats | Total (SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 9 |
| Pass Success Rate | 84% |
| Tackles per Game | 2.6 |
| Clearances per Game | 1.8 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
However, VAR would then delay the restart in order to assess the incident, but ultimately elected not to recommend an on-field review of the decision by the referee, ensuring Man United did not get a penalty.
Now, Hackett has confirmed that he believes the right outcome was reached, suggesting that the Red Devils man went down to easily in an attempt to win the penalty.
‘Man United appeal rightly ignored’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider whether Dorgu should have been given a penalty after that challenge on him, the former referee said:
“The Man United player is clearly exaggarating his fall seeking a penalty kick. It’s a subtle act of simulation trying to deceive the referee.
“It’s not a foul therefore not a penalty kick. Correct decision by VAR to not send the referee to the monitor. Not a penalty kick and so the correct decision.”
Just a few minutes later, Mikel Jauregizar produced a stunning strike from distance to open the scoring on the night for Athletic Bilbao, which ensured the La Liga took a 1-0 lead in to half time.
That ensures there is still pressure on Man United and Ruben Amorim they look to secure their place in the Europa League final which will keep alive their hopes of salvaging an otherwise dismal campaign.