Hackett: This is real reason Kavanagh gave Newcastle a lucky penalty v Fulham
Keith Hackett insists Newcastle United were lucky to be awarded a penalty in their 2-0 win over Fulham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League official claims Kenny Tete convinced the referee to give a penalty by appealing against the decision.
In the late stages of the Magpies’ win, Matt Ritchie was felled inside the Fulham box.
Tete clipped Ritchie after a fine one-two with Joe Willock and Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot.
Fabian Schar duly slotted home the spot-kick and secured at 12th placed finish for the Toon.
After the challenge, Tete threw his arms up in the air in a bid to tell the referee that he had done nothing wrong.
Hackett claims this act may have convinced Kavanagh to award the foul as the gesture suggests guilt.
“He’s [Ritchie] gone down very easily isn’t he,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I’m not convinced that’s a penalty kick. The Fulham defender can’t do anything.
“The problem for me, that player is actually saying to me that’s he committed an offence when he puts his hands up.
“The whole subject of these types of offences are becoming very difficult for the referees.
“Players are going to ground easily and the majority of the time the referee is giving the penalty.
“If they don’t give it, VAR comes in and gives it. Players and coaches are aware and there’s nothing to stop a player doing it.
“The way the law is administered and applied, it encourages players to go to ground.”
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