‘Here’s a video clip’ – FA backed to take action against ‘playacting’ Chelsea star
The FA could write to Chelsea for an explanation after an incident involving Malo Gusto against Wolves on Saturday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Premier League players are being allowed to time-waste, but referees have no other choice.
As Cole Palmer fired home a hat-trick, Jarred Gillett had plenty of contentious decisions to deal with, with one of them being Yerson Mosquera shoving Joao Pedro over on the line of the penalty area.
Angel Gomes was a rare positive for Wolves, but things could have been even worse for Rob Edwards‘ side had Jose Sa been sent off for his studs-up challenge on Joao Pedro.
Malo Gusto feigns injury to waste time vs Wolves
Despite the Blues’ dominance, the Old Gold did have chances, one of which Tolo Arokodare took brilliantly, and it could have been more in the 3-1 defeat at Molineux Stadium.
And with 20 minutes remaining, Gusto was clearly attempting to put a stop to some of Wolves’ pressure, going down holding his face inside the penalty area, requiring help from the medical staff.
Players and fans were up in arms, given that Rodrigo Gomes was about to swing in another dangerous cross, and the Spanish international was getting back to his feet and back onto the pitch soon after.
In the Premier League, the amount of time being wasted only appears to be going up, and this is another incident that has sparked calls for changes to be made about how officials deal with those feigning injuries.
Chelsea could hear from the FA, says Keith Hackett
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Chelsea star’s playacting, the former referee said: “This is the important area of the game that managers can play a role in, to stop playacting.
“In this situation, even FIFA recognise that there’s a problem, hence the 30-second rule for head injuries. But I think this should be doubled. Go off for a minute.
“This is not good for the players. It’s the players who are going to suffer because, when a player does need care and attention, that’s going to be delayed.
“It’s a difficult area for referees, and actually, the FA could write to the club and ask for an explanation. Here’s a video clip. We’ve got our view, so what’s yours? It’s not good for the game.”