Exclusive: ‘Simulation’ warning issued after Rogers wins Aston Villa penalty vs PNE
Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers was rightly awarded a penalty during his side’s FA Cup win over Preston North End, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that defenders must be careful not to give attackers the chance to “manufacture” contact inside the penalty area.
Unai Emery‘s side secured their place in the semi finals of the FA Cup on Sunday (30 March) with a 3-0 win over Preston at Deepdale.
Marcus Rashford scored his first two goals for Aston Villa in that game, the second of which came after Rogers had won a penalty for his side.
Morgan Rogers helps Aston Villa to Wembley semi final
After Preston were denied an opener following a Will Keane challenge on Emiliano Martinez in the first half, it was the visitors who went 1-0 up just before the hour mark.
That came when Rashford fired home from inside the area after being set up by Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne.
Just moments later the on loan Man United man was given the chance to double his and his side’s tally from the spot.
| Marcus Rashford vs Preston | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 4 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Big Chances Missed | 1 |
| Successful Passes | 14/15 |
| Duels Won | 1/7 |
After receiving the ball just inside the Preston area, Rogers played a quick pass to Boubacar Kamara, before going to ground after being caught on his foot by opposition defender Andrew Hughes.
Referee Chris Kavanagh would take a second to consider his options before pointing to the spot, which then allowed Rashford to make it 2-0 to Aston Villa.
Now Hackett has sent a warning to defenders about making the type of challenges that led to that spot kick being awarded.
Keith Hackett analyses Morgan Rogers penalty award
After being asked by Football Insider about that penalty awarded to Rogers and Aston Villa, the former referee said:
“I think when you, as a defender, stick a leg out like that, you’re going to get contact. Sometimes you think ‘well it’s manufactured contact, a bit of simulation and everything.’
“But that’s how defenders have got to take great care. I think on this one, it would be interesting to see whether the assistant flagged.
“Kavanagh’s got a clear view so I think he could sell it a bit more positively but for me I think it’s the right call.”
Reaching the semi finals of the FA Cup continues a remarkable season for Emery’s side, who are also in the Champions League quarter finals and competing for European qualification via the Premier League.
Preston meanwhile sit comfortably in mid-table in the current Championship standings.