Hackett slams ‘violent’ Rudiger stamp on ‘vulnerable’ Arsenal ace Lewis-Skelly
Antonio Rudiger’s stamp on a “vulnerable” part of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s body is the sort of action that cannot be allowed to go unpunished, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that VAR should have intervened and had another look at the incident.
Following Arsenal’s stunning 3-0 first-leg win, Real Madrid were keen to take the game to the Gunners.
However, it was the away side who were presented with the first opportunity to strike, after Francois Letexier awarded a penalty to Mikel Arteta’s side.
Bukayo Saka stepped up, ready to become the hero of the tie, but his Panenka attempt was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Things turned sour in Madrid as fans then pelted Declan Rice with objects as he attempted to take a corner, before Real Madrid had a penalty of their own overturned by Letexier.
Los Blancos, often noted for their mastery of the dark arts on the football pitch, attempted several rough tackles during the match, and one from Rudiger on Lewis-Skelly really caught the eye.
Antonio Rudiger commits uncomfortable foul on Myles Lewis-Skelly
With an hour gone, the anxiety within the Bernabeu was slowly reaching its limit, and it was reflected on the pitch.
Carlo Ancelotti‘s men threw caution to the wind, and themselves into some quite unacceptable challenges.
As Lewis-Skelly looked to peel away from Rudiger, the former Chelsea defender pushed the youngster to the ground.
Whilst rather unsporting, it was hardly the worst foul of the night, until the German planted his boot into the Arsenal man’s groin area as he lay on the turf.
Uncomfortable viewing to say the least, and Lewis-Skelly‘s immediate reaction made clear how painful it had been.
Surprisingly though, Letexier chose not to award Rudiger a card, be it yellow or red for the challenge.
Keith Hackett analyses challenge on Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly
Having reviewed the footage, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett gave his thoughts on Rudiger’s challenge on the rather “vulnerable” Lewis-Skelly exclusively to Football Insider, saying:
“Antonio Rudiger made absolutely no attempt to avoid stepping on a very vulnerable part of the body of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“I would have liked VAR to intervene for the referee to take another look at this, because this is an act of violent conduct.
“I believe it was avoidable, the contact, and you cannot let this type of play go unpunished.”