Hackett Exclusive: Newcastle star guilty of ‘blatant cheating’
Newcastle United star Joe Willock was rightly sanctioned for an act of “blatant cheating” in their draw against Brighton, Keith Hackett has explained.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Craig Pawson had made a “really good” decision to give the 25-year-old a yellow card.
With the game ultimately finishing 1-1 courtesy of a late Alexander Isak penalty, Newcastle will emerge the happier of the two sides.
The Magpies’ late point means they remain three points clear of both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest prior to their games against Liverpool and Crystal Palace respectively.
However, after Brentford beat Man United 4-3 at the Gtech Community Stadium and Bournemouth beat Arsenal at the Emirates, both sides have leapfrogged Brighton.
Fabian Hurzeler‘s side now sit tenth in the Premier League, two points shy of their target of eighth place and Europa Conference League qualification.
Craig Pawson spot on in Newcastle v Brighton controversy
Isak’s late penalty cancelled out Yankuba Minteh’s first-half strike to ensure the points were shared at the Amex – but the result was not the game’s biggest talking point.
Willock went over in the box under the challenge of Jan Paul van Hecke, prompting Pawson to point to the spot and award a penalty kick to the visitors.
However, VAR were quick to intervene after replays showed no contact had been made with the midfielder in a clear act of simulation.
Pawson, after having a second look on the pitch-side monitor, then opted to overturn his decision and book Willock in what was ultimately a clear-cut decision.
Keith Hackett shares Joe Willock ‘dive’ verdict
Newcastle fans raged at Willock on social media in the aftermath of the Brighton game, labelling him “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.
Now, Hackett has accused the midfielder of “blatant cheating” and praised the officials for their decision to punish him for his attempt to win a penalty.
“Really good to see,” he told Football Insider.
“Referees are getting the message to detect and sanction acts of simulation.
“This player was rightly shown a yellow card for his clear dive.
“There is no other word for it but blatant cheating.”
Both Newcastle and Brighton will have to regroup and go again next week, with the fight for European qualification ongoing at the top of the Premier League.
With just three games left to play, both will be hoping to return to winning ways to give themselves a fighting chance at achieving their goals.
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