Credit: Imago / TNT Sports

Harri Burton

Wed 4 March 2026 22:49, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Manchester City supporters cannot feel aggrieved after Rodri failed to win a late penalty against Nottingham Forest.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Darren England made the right call under pressure on Wednesday, 4 March.

The Citizens were pinned back twice by Forest, conceding to Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, cancelling out strikers in either half from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri at the Etihad.

At the weekend, Hackett told Football Insider that Man City were fortunate not to concede a penalty against Leeds United, and karma appeared to hit back in midweek.

Keith Hackett clears up late controversy involving Rodri

In the 93rd minute, Rodri attempted to unleash a shot at goal, and with the ball gone, Anderson left a late boot on the Spaniard. Despite a VAR check, no penalty was awarded.

And while Pep Guardiola’s side could only draw 2-2, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal claimed all three points against Brighton at the Amex Stadium to move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about City’s late penalty call, the former referee said: “I am satisfied that the match official, Darren England, has made the correct call.

“Both players are challenging for the ball. No foul – allow play to continue.”

What did Bernardo Silva say about Darren England’s performance?

It was only a few weeks ago when Rodri spoke out against the PGMOL officials, being punished for doing so by the FA, and probably deservedly so.

Now, Bernardo Silva has chosen to hit out at refereeing decisions at the Etihad, this time feeling that “all the 50-50s” went against him and his teammates, leading to the draw against Forest.

He also felt that Erling Haaland should have been awarded a penalty after being taken down by Matz Sels, and with the referee not cautioning him for diving, the situation remains unanswered.

The result could very well be a defining moment in the Premier League title race. Arsenal are now seven points ahead, though the two giants do have to face each other at the Etihad in April.