Exclusive: Webb must act after Maguire’s ‘mental’ Man United incident at Bournemouth
Keith Hackett has sent a clear message to Howard Webb after Man United centre-back Harry Maguire was not given a penalty in his side’s draw with Bournemouth.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the PGMOL needs to take a stronger stance on holding inside the box ahead of next season.
There were a number of controversial during the clash between Maguire‘s side and the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon (27 April).
Tyler Adams avoided being sent off for Bournemouth after a lunging challenge on Alejandro Garnacho, before the hosts went in front through Alejandro Garnacho.
Man United though would be frustrated for much of the game as they went in search of an equaliser, not least due to decisions from the officials.
Antoine Semenyo avoids conceding penalty for Harry Maguire hold
As Ruben Amorim’s side fought to pull level, one clash that developed was between Maguire and Antoine Semenyo at set-pieces.
On one occasion as the ball was sent into the hosts’ box from the corner, replays showed that the Bournemouth winger had both arms wrapped firmly around the Man United ace to restrict his movement.
| Man United last five games | Result |
| Lyon (A) | Drew 2-2 |
| Newcastle (A) | Lost 4-1 |
| Lyon (H) | Won 5-4 (AET) |
| Wolves (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Bournemouth (A) | Drew 1-1 |
The incident was checked by VAR for a potential penalty, although no spot kick was ultimately awarded, due to a suggestion that Maguire had also been holding onto Semenyo.
However, the fact that the Bournemouth star avoided punishment, means Hackett believes referee’s chief Webb needs to take action to reduce offences such as these.
Howard Webb challenged after Man United miss out on penalty award
After being asked by Football Insider if Man United should have been given a penalty for Semenyo’s holding on Maguire, Hackett said:
“I’m clear on that. I think the time really has come – even though it’s towards the end of the season – but I think during the close season, Howard Webb has to get his referees and he’s got to get them consistently penalising grappling [and] holding in the penalty area.
“Because it’s beyond what is now, in my opinion, acceptable within the game of football. It is football, not wrestling, and I think that Maguire had a strong case in this situation for a penalty kick.
“This is not football. Even at worse, give something. I don’t believe in this six of one, half a dozen of the other in refereeing. I just don’t believe it!
“Ultimately they’re both committing an offence if that’s how you see it – six of one, half a dozen of the other. That means you don’t ignore it, you penalise it.
“I think the game’s gone mental with holding and grappling and I think it’s just getting worse. The sadness of it is that youngsters are witnessing it, grassroots players are witnessing it and they’re thinking this is the norm and acceptable.
“The Premier League has a responsibility, the PGMOL have, that the laws of the game are applied. Who’s at fault? Go and make a judgement, that’s what the referee’s there for!
“If he hasn’t got the courage to give a penalty kick then give a free kick, with justification. But look how the Bournemouth player has got wrapped around Maguire, what can Maguire do?
“Maguire’s probably holding on because he doesn’t want to fall to the ground!”
There would be further contentious decision in that game when Man United left-back Patrick Dorgu was booked despite appearing to be fouled by Adam Smith.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth saw striker Evanilson sent off despite seemingly slipping into a challenge, which then proved costly for them when Rasmus Hojlund netted a stoppage time equaliser for the Red Devils.