Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 23 March 2026 10:45, UK

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Stuart Attwell must be appropriately punished by Howard Webb following his failings in the draw between Bournemouth and Manchester United.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the experienced referee needs to be “taken out of the game” after scenes at the Vitality Stadium.

Bruno Fernandes, Ryan Christie and Junior Kroupi were all on target, joined by a James Hill own goal, but the four-goal thriller on Friday, 20 March was overshadowed by several officiating blunders.

Amad Diallo was not awarded a penalty for a shove in the area, though the Red Devils did win a spot-kick later in the game for a similar incident, and Harry Maguire was sent off for what many believe to be an identical challenge.

Man United next face Leeds United at Old Trafford, and the supporters will be praying not to see Attwell again.

Howard Webb to blame as Stuart Attwell lacks concentration

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Referees are like players in that they can be in form or out of form. Maintaining a high level of performance is always difficult. 

“Behind the scenes, there doesn’t appear to be a quality coaching system coming through to put a palm of a hand in the back of a referee to say, ‘We want better’.

“This referee is capable of officiating, but he’s overused, especially as VAR. He’s regarded highly by the PGMOL, but there are inconsistencies in his performances. 

“I feel that this referee needs to be taken out of the game for a spell. There are a number of referees who need operational advice. There’s a lack of concentration in his displays. 

“One of the biggest problems at the PGMOL is a clear lack of direction from Howard Webb, and another is that the analysis system is way off from what it was in my era.” 

Michael Carrick makes his feelings clear over Man United decisions

Michael Carrick, much like supporters across the Premier League, was completely baffled by the decisions at the Vitality Stadium, voicing his concerns at full-time.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the boss said: “To give one and not give the other, I just can’t get my head around it. It’s crazy. That’s what VAR was for. Clean it up and consistency.

“Surely whatever they think, if one’s been given, there are enough people to decide that it’s the same as the first. It’s two different decisions, so a bit baffling really.”

Hackett told Football Insider that Diallo deserved to win a penalty against Bournemouth.

The Red Devils have asked for clarification over the incidents, and even if the club are sent an apology by the PGMOL, it means very little now in the race for Champions League qualification.