Liverpool news: Ex-Fifa official slams 'petulant and arrogant' official after Mohamed Salah controversy
Keith Hackett has slammed referee Victor Gomes for his "petulant and arrogant act" towards Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah as Egypt lost the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties to Senegal yesterday (6 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee admitted he was "very disappointed" that Gomes was acting like he was bigger than the game.
During the first half, Salah complained about a free-kick decision and the referee responded by offering him the cards and whistle as if to tell him he should officiate the match.
Egypt were defeated in Cameroon by Senegal after a penalty shootout as Sadio Mane scored the winning spot-kick.
Asked whether the referee's actions were appropriate, Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: "Absolutely not.
"Where Mo Salah is verbally questioning a referee's decision, the referee is there to apply the laws of the game. The laws of the game are quite clear, that's a yellow card for dissent.
"Don't offer the cards and the whistle. I think that's a petulant arrogant act by the referee, completely not in the sphere of officiating.
"I'm really strong on this. I'm very disappointed with this referee. Ok, he's a human being and he might have passion for the game but as a match official you have to be neutral and you have to apply the laws of the game.
"Have a quiet word, ok, that's fine. But if he believes Salah is out of order, issue him with a yellow card.
"The referee here is operating here like he is bigger than the game, the game is about players.
"All spectators and players want is neutrality and integrity. To show that you have to demonstrate it."