Credit: Imago / Sky Sports

Harri Burton

Mon 2 March 2026 13:45, UK

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Declan Rice should have conceded a penalty at the Emirates Stadium during a heavyweight clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Premier League referees are to blame for constant offences inside the 18-yard box.

Darren England had plenty of contentious moments to contend with, especially after sending off Pedro Neto for two bookable offences, while also halting another promising attack in the process.

Arsenal reigned supreme from set-pieces, with William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes all benefitting from corners, while Chelsea caused some damage themselves.

• Read more: Chelsea and Liam Rosenior have a “huge concern” over Cole Palmer.

Declan Rice fortunate not to concede blatant penalty vs Chelsea

Moments before the half-time whistle, Liam Rosenior’s side had the perfect chance to equalise, and that is exactly what happened, only the ball cannoned off Piero Hincapie’s head and into the back of the net.

The corner before that, however, the Blues were crying out for a penalty to be awarded. Rice had both hands around Jorrel Hato at the front post, with the ball coming off his arm as well.

James was then instructed to take the next corner, with all calls for a penalty falling on deaf ears, and many believe that justice was served in the resulting own goal just seconds later.

As replays continue to do the rounds on social media, football fans simply cannot believe the decision, and Hackett is in complete agreement with them, pointing the finger at the officials and the IFAB.

• Read more: Mikel Arteta is being urged to axe Martin Zubimendi vs Brighton.

Keith Hackett aims dig at IFAB over Arsenal vs Chelsea incident

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I can understand it because referees are just ignoring it, failing to apply the law. Players understand that, so it’s a game of cops and robbers. 

“If referees allow them to go free, they’ll keep doing it. I was rather surprised and disappointed by the IFAB during their meeting for not considering this as a problem.

“We see it less in Scotland and in Europe. It doesn’t happen anywhere near as much as it does in our game. Next season, they’ll have to really clamp down.”