Exclusive: PGMOL eye on ‘diver’ Diogo Jota as warning issued after Liverpool v Wolves
Diogo Jota will be in the spotlight of the PGMOL in future games following an incident between Liverpool and Wolves, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Portuguese forward was fortunate not to be shown a yellow card for simulation during the 2-1 win on Sunday (16 February).
Jota appeared to be brought down in the Wolves penalty area by a sliding Emmanuel Agbadou in the 57th minute, but after a VAR review, the decision was reversed by referee Simon Hooper.
Despite the opposition centre-back being cleared of any wrongdoing, the Liverpool man was not punished for “simulation” in an attempt to win a penalty.
Diogo Jota avoids punishment for simulation
Many viewing the clash at Anfield came to the same conclusion as Hooper – a penalty. However, upon further inspection, it was clear that Agbadou had completely missed his man.
The Reds had already been awarded one penalty in the first half, with Mohamed Salah tucking away the spot-kick after Luis Diaz was brought down by goalkeeper Jose Sa.
History looked to be repeating itself but VAR came to the rescue for Vitor Pereira’s side, who nearly launched a comeback in the final 25 minutes.
Another penalty would have all but killed the game off, but with Jota seemingly looking for contact in the box, the forward has been given a warning by Hackett.
PGMOL to watch Liverpool forward closely says ex-PGMOL chief
Speaking to Football Insider about Jota’s incident, the former referee said:
“Referee Simon Hooper was in a good position to award Liverpool a penalty kick. However, VAR quickly intervened.
“When Hooper looked at the monitor and a replay of the incident he quickly turned and overruled his own decision.
“The only thing that was missing was why, Simon Hooper, didn’t you go to Jota and issue him with a yellow card? His act of simulation to deceive you nearly succeeded. That must warrant a yellow card.
“To Liverpool’s Jota, I would say this. You’re fast gaining a reputation as a bit of a diver and alarm bells will be there at the PGMOL in future games to keep an eye on you.”
While a three-goal cushion would have completely sunk Wolves, attempting simulation for a penalty should never be the answer.
Jota was extremely lucky to avoid a yellow card for the incident before soon being replaced by Darwin Nunez just seven minutes later.