‘It’s a disease’ – Ex-PGMOL boss wants retrospective punishment for ‘pantomime’ Bournemouth vs Arsenal incident
Bournemouth’s clash with Arsenal must be investigated by the FA following a clear act of simulation at the Vitality Stadium.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the authorities must stamp down on the “disease” of diving growing in the Premier League.
Chris Kavanagh took charge of proceedings on Saturday, 3 January, with several controversial decisions being made as the Gunners claimed a thrilling 3-2 win to go six points clear at the top of the table.
Despite the victory, Mikel Arteta was far from pleased with his Arsenal players, with Junior Kroupi putting the visitors under huge pressure with a long-distance strike.
Bournemouth fortunate not to go down to 10 men vs Arsenal
During the game, Andoni Iraola might have been fortunate not to lose Amine Adli, who was accused of cheating in an attempt to win a spot-kick in the closing stages.
Already on a yellow card for his lunge on Mikel Merino, the attacking midfielder tried to close down David Raya, and as he realised it was too late, ran straight into Gabriel Magalhaes‘ elbow and feigned injury.
It was a moment which baffled viewers up and down the Premier League, and one that Hackett believes should be investigated for retrospective punishment by a panel of judges.
While he has already stated that a 10-game ban would be too harsh, as some fans are calling for, the only way to get rid of simulation is to punish it.
Amine Adli must be punished by the FA as ‘disease’ grows
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “It’s a disease in the game that is growing at pace. At the moment, it’s on the rise, and referees are completely ignoring it.
“The simulation from Adli was just appalling. It was almost like a pantomime. It was a clear yellow card, and I was disappointed that the referee didn’t take any action.
“It’s one area of the game that authorities need to get to grips with. If it’s missed by referees, but it’s seen on replays, the FA should have a panel of experts who sit in judgment.
“I’ve read today that some want 10 matches [suspension]. I think that’s a bit extreme, but we’ve got to do something about it. They’re trying to deceive the referee, and when that happens, issue a yellow card.“