‘That’s the problem’ – Ex-refs chief reacts as Man City fans fume over controversy
Man City fans were wrong to be furious over the non-awarding of a penalty for an incident involving Bernardo Silva against Bournemouth.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Anthony Taylor likely had help from VAR to come to the right conclusion on Sunday, 2 November.
Man City beat Bournemouth 3-1 to move up to second in the Premier League table, though the clash was far from simple, as Tyler Adams equalised from a rather dodgy decision.
David Brooks appeared to foul Gianluigi Donnarumma at a corner, dragging down the goalkeeper’s arm to prevent him from getting a proper connection on his clearance, only for the goal to stand.
Bernardo Silva caught up in controversy in Man City win
That was not the only major talking point, however, as Erling Haaland scored his 12th and 13th league goals of the 2025-26 campaign, with Nico O’Reilly putting the icing on the cake against the Cherries.
Andoni Iraola was slammed for his tactical mistake against the Citizens, and had VAR not got involved later in the game, it could have been even worse for the travelling side from the south coast.
In the 28th minute, Bernardo Silva attempted another cross into the box, one which was deflected onto Alex Jimenez’s arm and out for a corner, though the home support was adamant that a handball should have been awarded.
Re-analysing the incident, it became clear to Hackett that because the initial cross had rebounded off the defender’s leg first, there was no claim for a penalty, and therefore, the correct decision had been reached.
Anthony Taylor spot-on to deny Man City penalty claim
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the potential penalty call, the former referee said: “That’s the problem. The player has no chance of moving his arm out of the way, so that’s not a penalty kick.
“The complication of handball is that when it’s deflected [off the knee], it’s not deliberate handball, and therefore, not penalised. The match officials got that one right.
“He’s probably got his mate, without visible VAR interruption, verbally communicating that it isn’t a penalty. He’s likely getting that guidance.”