Keith Hackett savages Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins for ‘act of simulation’
Keith Hackett has praised David Coote for not awarding Ollie Watkins a penalty during the Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Liverpool on Saturday (9 November).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League official made it clear he felt Watkins showcased an “act of simulation” during Villa’s 2-0 loss.
The 28-year-old striker felt he was fouled by Ibrahima Konate inside the box in the 22nd minute when the Reds were only leading 1-0.
The England international went down after contact from the central defender, but the matchday official opted to not reward Unai Emery’s team with a penalty.
It was one of two potential penalty calls that ended up being denied as Pau Torres felt he should’ve had a penalty later in the game after having his shirt tugged by Conor Bradley, but that was also not given.
Keith Hackett believes Ollie Watkins cost Aston Villa a potential penalty by diving
Hackett told Football Insider, “When you look at this, the exaggeration by the player is the decision maker for the referee.
“He’s seen it as an act of simulation and said ‘I’m not awarding it.’
“If Ollie Watkins had gone down normally, without diving, he may have got it, but it was a tight call.
“The referee is in a good position to judge, and he’s got that one right.”
In other news, Marcus Rashford: Pundit names three Aston Villa stars better than him.
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