Ex-PGMOL chief shares verdict on Liverpool penalty vs Newcastle after 'seeing' footage

Lewis Hall can have no complaints after conceding a clumsy penalty deep into added time in Newcastle United's draw with Liverpool.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that he agreed with the decision to award the spot-kick in the dying seconds.

Following goals from Anthony Elanga and Cody Gakpo, Joe Willock thought he had sealed all three points in the Magpies' season opener on Sunday, 23 August.

However, the Reds were given the chance to equalise once again, this time from 12 yards, and Dominik Szoboszlai obliged under huge pressure.

Matthias Jaissle was extremely disappointed to see Hall punished for a clash of knees with Victor Munoz, a player who nearly joined Newcastle earlier in the summer.

The incident has sparked debate, with disagreements still ongoing after the 2-2 draw at St James' Park, and the former head of the PGMOL has come to settle it.

Lewis Hall 'fell into the trap' in last-gasp foul

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained that Hall had "fallen into the trap" that Munoz had left for him inside the penalty area.

"I saw it, and I'm satisfied that in the modern game a penalty kick is always going to be given for a foul challenge," he said.

"It doesn't have to be reckless; it's just careless, and it's careless on behalf of the defender, who recognised that he'd fallen into the trap of the opposition.

"Find me any time in the game, anywhere in the world, where a penalty kick doesn't evoke passion. There were supporters who were heading for the exit believing they'd won the game.

"It also highlights, in refereeing, that you've never got a period of relaxation because if you do [relax], you'll miss that type of challenge."

What does the future hold for the Newcastle defender?

Newcastle's No.3 has been linked with an exit throughout the summer transfer window, with Manchester United understood to be admirers.

Time is running out for clubs to strike a deal, though, and Jaissle appears to have ended any chance of a late departure anyway.

Peter Schmeichel cheekily asked the new manager about Hall's availability in a post-match press conference, getting the response: "No chance. No chance".

Football Insider understands that Man United want to accelerate a move for the left-back, but Jaissle appears to be pretty certain that the player is going nowhere.