Keith Hackett

Mon 24 February 2025 11:55, UK

Man United full-back Diogo Dalot should have been sent off during his side’s draw with Everton and Manuel Ugarte could have followed him, Keith Hackett has said.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that it was “appalling” neither were punished for a kick out and a stamp on Vitaliy Mykolenko respectively during the same incident.

Everton had charged into a 2-0 half time lead in that game, courtesy of goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

After a disastrous first-half, Man United produced a second-half fightback to draw 2-2 with the Toffees on Goodison Park on Saturday (22 February).

That was of course followed by late controversy when Everton were denied a stoppage time penalty after a VAR check.

However, even before that there were some contentious decisions that did not go in favour of the Toffees.

Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte avoid punishment over Vitaliy Mykolenko challenges

With 36 minutes on the clock, David Moyes’ side will have been left frustrated by the decision of referee Andy Madley not to take action against two Red Devils players.

As Dalot was on the ground with Mykolenko in possession of the ball, the Man United full-back appeared to kick out at the Ukraine international, making faint contact with his leg.

Having managed to stay on his feet after that, the Everton man then went down when a studs up challenge from Ugarte landed on his ankle.

Ultimately, neither Man United player was punished by Madley, something that has left Hackett stunned, suggesting that Dalot in partcular was fortunate not to be sent off.

Keith Hackett reacts to further Man United vs Everton controversy

Speaking to Football Insider about the decision not to penalise either Dalot or Ugarte over the incident, the former referee said:

“I have to say that it’s quite appalling that we see here two incidents that should have resulted – the kick out should easily have been a red card, the stamp I’ll go minimum yellow.

“But both these offences should have been sanctioned and they were not, and I think it was systematic in this game that the referee in trying to keep a low profile, did the game a disservice.

“That was a kick out, and a kick, or an attempt to kick, is a dismissal offence. The bar is raised with regard to interference and it’s almost like they’re not doing their job.

“I don’t want the police officer doing people for 31 in a 30 mile zone, there’s got to be an element of allowance, but that was a kick, VAR should have come in and that should have been reviewed, and nothing happened.”

That draw continued a poor recent run in the Premier League for Man United, who are sat 15th in the Premier League table.

As a result they are one point and one position behind Everton, who have been resurgent since the return of David Moyes as manager.