‘I can’t believe it’ – Keith Hackett stunned after analysing Man United-Crystal Palace controversy
Crystal Palace should not have been awarded a penalty kick in their defeat against Man United at Selhurst Park.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider, that Jean-Philippe Mateta deceived referee Robert Jones.
Man United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after Mateta had opened the scoring from the spot in the 36th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount netted in the second half, as Man United came from behind to lift themselves above Crystal Palace in the Premier League table.
Former ref shocked by Crystal Palace penalty incident
The referee gave Crystal Palace a penalty after deeming that Leny Yoro had fouled Mateta, who was surging into the penalty area.
Yoro was making a challenge from behind on the striker, but replays appeared to show the defender did not make contact with the striker.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Premier League referee Hackett gave his verdict on the incident: “I cannot believe that Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty kick for what is a clear act of simulation to deceive the referee.
“The player succeeded in his actions and the referee got it wrong. VAR should have intervened and frankly this is why I would like to see a review panel look at these incidents after each weekend and where they find a player guilty of simulation issue a one-match ban.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta in contract talks
Mateta is still in talks with Crystal Palace over a new contract, with the south London club keen to hold onto the 28-year-old.
Crystal Palace have been backed to tie Mateta down to fresh terms, with the Frenchman once again proving a key player for Oliver Glasner this season.
Mateta has scored seven goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, with the Eagles just four points off the Champions League places.