Hackett Exclusive: Marmoush penalty incident ‘nonsense’ in Man City v Crystal Palace
Keith Hackett slammed a “nonsense” decision after Man City star Omar Marmoush was brought down in Crystal Palace’s penalty area.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that despite VAR’s claims that there was minimal contact on the Egyptian, “a foul is a foul”.
The Sky Blues capitulated under the pressure of Palace‘s fast start, conceding goals to Arsenal target Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards in the opening 21 minutes.
However, Kevin De Bruyne who is playing his last season in a Man City shirt, scored a smart free-kick past a flat-footed Dean Henderson, before January signing Omar Marmoush smashed home just three minutes later to level the scores, before goals from Mateo Kovacic and James McAtee gave City the lead.
Nico O’Reilly scored his first Premier League goal for his boyhood club, as the Citizens ran out 5-2 winners after a shaky start.
In spite of the Sky Blues’ comeback, though, they were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in the 12th minute, after Palace goal scorer Richards committed a challenge on Marmoush.
Man City’s Omar Marmoush impeded by Chris Richards
Having conceded early, City were looking for a quick response against an in-form Palace side.
The Sky Blues executed a quick counter attack, as Rico Lewis pinged a pass to De Bruyne, and in classic fashion, the Belgian waited until the last possible moment, before putting Marmoush through on goal.
The Egyptian’s first touch was impeccable, guiding him past Richards, before setting his eyes on a sixth Premier League goal in a City shirt.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Marmoush |
| Appearances | 9 |
| Starts | 9 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes | 660 |
However, just before Marmoush could take the shot, the USA international tugged at Marmoush’s arm, knocking him off balance, before the 26-year-old scuffed his shot.
The foul was looked at by VAR and cleared for “minimal contact”, which infuriated former Rangers striker, Ally McCoist.
The commentator was insistent that, whilst the contact was soft, it was indeed a foul as Richards had stopped Marmoush from taking a “natural” shot.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Omar Marmoush penalty shout
Having seen the incident, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett told Football Insider exclusively it was “nonsense” to suggest that minimal contact ruled out a foul, whilst agreeing with McCoist’s comments about the incident, saying: “It is a nonsense to say that minimal contact rules out a foul.
“The ‘minimal contact’ has impacted on the balance of the player and to accurately deliver a strong shot on goal.
“I agree with Ally McCoist’s comments; a foul is a foul, and we should penalise [as such].
“The attacking player did not commit an act of simulation or going to ground to deceive the referee.
“It’s an offence and should have been penalised.”