Hackett Exclusive: Willy Gnonto conned referee with dive in Leeds vs Millwall
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto was involved in a penalty incident that was “an act of simulation”, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Leeds star “went to ground too easily” as he won a penalty for the home team.
Pascal Struijk failed to convert the spot-kick, and Daniel Farke’s side went on to suffer a 2-0 defeat to Millwall, crashing out of the FA Cup.
Following the loss, Leeds fans have put Farke under pressure, with some fearing this early cup exit could derail their promotion push.
The manager made 10 changes to the starting lineup, with Gnonto given a start, but he was substituted after an underwhelming performance.
Leeds crash out of FA Cup in dismal Millwall defeat
Despite leading the Championship, concerns are growing that Farke could face the sack if Leeds fail to secure promotion this season.
The Whites remain four points ahead of second-placed Sheffield United and five clear of the play-off positions. They also boast the league’s best attacking record with 62 goals scored.
However, this performance left fans frustrated, with several players underperforming, including Gnonto.
Josuha Guilavogui also had a poor outing, as his deflection led to Millwall’s opening goal. Former referee Hackett weighed in on another incident, insisting Guilavogui should have been sent off for Leeds over a reckless challenge.
Wilfried Gnonto criticised for controversial penalty incident
The penalty incident occurred in the second half when Leeds were already 2-0 down. As a loose ball was played into the box, Gnonto ran onto it before going to ground, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Hackett, however, believes it was a “soft” decision, arguing that the winger went down too easily.
He told exclusively Football Insider:
“In refereeing, to see, to recognise, think, and act, is the process towards accurate decision making.
“Sadly, Leeds won a penalty kick incorrectly, in my opinion, through an act of simulation that the referee bought into.
“He was in a good position. I couldn’t see a pull, push, or trip. The player, recognising he was in the penalty area, went to ground far too easily.
“Referees, you’ve just got to guard against giving soft penalty kicks and getting them wrong.”