Exclusive: Referee praised as Alejandro Garnacho dive ignored in Man United win
Keith Hackett has praised referee Espen Eskaas for his decision-making after Alejandro Garnacho went to ground in the penalty box looking for a penalty during Man United’s 3-0 win over Athletic Club.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that both the referee and VAR made a “correct call”.
The Red Devils and Ruben Amorim were under intense scrutiny going into their match against one of LaLiga’s best defensive sides.
But when the Portuguese boss needed it most, his side rose to the occasion, utterly dismantling Athletic Club 3-0 on their own patch, in a game where the score-line could have been doubled.
Eskaas’ decision to award a penalty after a tug on Rasmus Hojlund proved to be crucial, as it then led to Daniel Vivian receiving a red card, but even so, the Red Devils were by far and away the best team on the night.
Alejandro Garnacho attempts to win penalty for Man United
With United 3-0 up and cruising, Garnacho tried to have an impact on the match after being a passenger for large portions of the affair.
Breaking into the box in the 52nd minute, the Argentine winger looked to latch onto a low cross from Patrick Dorgu.
However, feeling the slightest of nudges in his back, Garnacho flung himself to ground, begging Eskaas to take notice of his pleas for a penalty.
The Norwegian referee was utterly uninterested and after the most cursory of VAR checks, the incident was cleared.
Keith Hackett analyses Alejandro Garnacho penalty appeal
Having reviewed the footage of the incident, ex-PGMOL boss Hackett revealed to Football Insider exclusively that he was in total agreement with the on-field decision, saying:
“Garnacho has gone to the ground too easily and both referee and VAR have made the correct call.”
United will welcome Athletic for the return fixture at Old Trafford on 8 May, and barring an utter capitulation, will return to the Estadio San Mames for the Europa League final on 21 May.