Keith Hackett

Sat 21 December 2024 19:27, UK

Wayne Rooney has the right to be “upset” that his Plymouth Argyle side were not awarded a penalty in their 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough, Keith Hackett has said.

The ex-PGMOL chief and former FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that not awarding the Pilgrims a free-kick in the game was a mistake.

Both sides played their part in a frantic game at Home Park on Saturday afternoon (21 December) with the hosts taking the lead on three occasions.

Middlesbrough though would find three separate equalisers to deny Plymouth and Rooney what would have been a much-needed win for both.

However things could have been very different had referee Will Finnie made a different decision before the scoring began.

Wayne Rooney and Plymouth denied by big penalty call vs Middlesbrough

In the 35th minute of the game and with the score still at 0-0, winger Mustapha Bundu carried the ball into the Middlesbrough penalty area.

As he looked set to play it into the centre of the box for a teammate, the Plymouth man went down under a challenge from defender George Edmundson.

Although everyone connected with the hosts then appealed for a penalty, Finnie waved away those claims of a spot-kick, which did not impress Hackett.

Speaking to Football Insider about the decision to deny Rooney’s side a penalty, the former referee said:

“No wonder Rooney is upset that is a nailed on penalty kick – poor officiating.”

Following that draw Plymouth are bottom of the Championship table but just one point from safety, highlighting the difference a win could have made here.

Middlesbrough meanwhile are sixth in the current standings, with Michael Carrick – a former Man United teammate of Rooney – winning plenty of praise as he looks to guide his side to promotion.

In other news, Wayne Rooney has confirmed he is in talks with the Plymouth Argyle board.

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