Keith Hackett makes his feelings clear over John Stones penalty claim in Man City vs Salford City
John Stones went down far too easily inside the penalty area against Salford City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Matt Donohue was correct not to award a spot-kick on Saturday, 14 February.
Alfie Dorrington, on loan from Tottenham, scored an own goal inside the first six minutes, with many expecting a thrashing from that point, but the League Two side held their own on the road.
Ben Woodburn came the closest for Salford, but with Pep Guardiola having plenty of big stars to fall back on, Man City eventually secured their spot in the next round of the competition through Marc Guehi.
This was all with an early contentious decision going against the Premier League giants. Stones appeared to be hauled down inside the area after just 33 minutes, but it might have been the right decision.
John Stones attempts to deceive the referee vs Salford City
Even the commentators agreed that it should have resulted in a spot-kick, albeit a soft one, but Hackett has backed up the referee’s decision, with no VAR in operation at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about City’s penalty claim, the former referee said: “John Stones is looking to gain the award of a penalty kick and goes to ground a little too easily.
“I support the match official in not awarding a penalty kick because of the element of doubt.”
Either way, it was not a decision that had an impact on the result, but only just. City struggled in front of goal, needing to wait until the 81st minute to score again, this time through substitute Guehi.
- Read more: James Trafford started against Salford City, but a new transfer plan has emerged for the goalkeeper.
What does Stones’ return from injury mean at Man City?
Stones managed 65 minutes in the FA Cup fourth round, making his first appearance since 2 December and making his first start since 25 November in a Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Guardiola has been desperate for a full squad, but even so, the Citizens are closing in on Arsenal for the Premier League title, while also pushing ahead in Europe for more success.
Abdukodir Khusanov has thrived since being given an opportunity in the middle, but with City signing Marc Guehi during the winter window, the manager seemingly has too many options now.
Therefore, Stones will have to fight for his spot in the starting lineup, whether that be at centre-half or full-back for the remainder of the season, with so many others currently in form.