Keith Hackett shares ‘sin bin’ solution after Pape Sarr ‘damages the image of the game’ in Tottenham vs Everton
The Premier League should introduce “sin bin” timeouts to curb the rise in acts of simulation, especially after an incident involving Pape Sarr.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder “damaged the image of the game” against Everton.
During the final game of the 2025-26 season, as Spurs managed to remain in the division at West Ham’s expense, emotions were high in North London, with Joao Palhinha scoring the only goal.
In search of another goal to cement the win, Sarr threw himself to the ground inside the penalty area in the 80th minute. But instead of falling for the simulation, Michael Oliver cautioned him for cheating.
Tottenham went on to win 1-0 against the Toffees, but Hackett remains frustrated with the incident.
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VISIT THE TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH HUBKeith Hackett urges lawmakers to do more after Pape Sarr incident
The former head of the PGMOL has already suggested that Sarr should be handed a one-match ban following a review panel’s verdict, and the lawmakers are now being urged to take extra steps.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Do we go into a team punishment during the course of the match? We say we’re going to introduce a sin bin into the game at the elite level.
| Pape Sarr vs Everton | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 17 |
| Touches | 10 |
| Passing accuracy | 80% (4/5) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 50% (1/2) |
| Dribbled past | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 33% (1/3) |
“And with that sin bin, descent and simulation might be the opportunity to stop it and act as a deterrent. At the moment, there’s no deterrent.
“Michael Oliver’s done well, but many of his colleagues have not cautioned where appropriate. It damages the image of the game. It damages what we consider to be fairness within the game.
“Morally, it’s wrong. So in some instances, there’s a risk here that through an act of simulation, a player or an opponent can be dismissed incorrectly. There should be no place in the game for it.”
Could this be the midfielder’s final act in a Tottenham shirt?
The 23-year-old has been forced to adjust to multiple new managers in Hotspur Way, and after how valued he was by Ange Postecoglou, it would not be a surprise to see him seek an exit.
Despite his talents, Sarr hasn’t started any of Roberto De Zerbi’s seven matches in charge, with Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison and Archie Gray all above him in the pecking order.
Football Insider understands that Bayern Munich are interested in Sarr, with the hope of reuniting him with Harry Kane, and that his exit is now seen as “inevitable” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Should the Bundesliga giants come knocking this summer, it would be almost impossible to turn that opportunity down, so his dive against Everton may be the last thing he ever does for the Lilywhites.
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