Keith Hackett reacts to Mo Salah and Lewis Hall incident in Liverpool vs Newcastle
Keith Hackett has given his verdict on Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah’s big call for a penalty against Newcastle.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Stuart Attwell had made the right call in not awarding a penalty to Liverpool.
Arne Slot served the first of a two-match touchline ban against Newcastle, following the Dutch manager’s red card against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League table, 13 points ahead of Arsenal in second place, following their win over Newcastle.
Lewis Hall rightly given Newcastle free kick by Stuart Attwell
With just six minutes gone, Al-Hilal transfer target Salah played a neat one-two with Real Madrid transfer target Trent Alexander-Arnold, and burst into the Newcastle penalty area.
The Egypt international then tangled with Lewis Hall, and appeared to be brought down by the young defender, leading to appeals from Liverpool’s players.
However, Attwell then surprisingly awarded a free-kick to the Magpies, in a surprise turn of events.
| Matches Slot will miss | Competition | Date |
| Newcastle (H) | Premier League | 26 February |
| Southampton (H) | Premier League | 8 March |
When asked by Football Insider to give his verdict, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett backed the decision and said:
“The referee has clearly penalised Salah for the push on the Newcastle United player [Lewis Hall], before Salah goes to ground.
“A correct call by the referee.”
Liverpool would go on to take the lead in the 11th minute, through Dominik Szoboszlai, as the Hungarian international midfielder was picked out by Luis Diaz, following a rapid counter-attack from the Reds.
Liverpool show composure in difficult Newcastle game
With the Reds on course for only their second Premier League title, the champions-elect showed their composure against the Magpies in the first half.
Newcastle have proven themselves to be difficult opponents in big games, and carry a constant goal-threat.
However, the absence of one of Liverpool’s transfer targets Alexander Isak was glaring, as Callum Wilson wasted a chance to equalise for the Magpies.
The second-half was a professional affair from Arne Slot’s side, as they nullified any threats offered by Newcastle.