Tottenham star Richarlison gaining dangerous reputation as ex-Fifa official analyses controversial footage
Tottenham striker Richarlison is attracting an unwanted reputation for going down too easily, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after Richarlison won a penalty in Brazil’s 4-1 win over South Korea in the World Cup round of 16 last week (5 December).
As shown on the highlights on ITV’s YouTube channel, the 25-year-old tried to steal the ball from behind Jung Woo-young who was preparing to clear it.
The South Korea midfielder slightly caught his opponent as he missed the clearance who then went to ground and rolled around trying to convince the referee he had been fouled.
Referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot and Neymar converted the penalty to double his side’s lead.
“The referee’s in a great position,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think Richarlison might just have been clipped but it seems harsh.
“He goes down easily. I don’t think I would’ve given a penalty kick there.
“I think the referee could have not given a penalty kick there. I think he had a sufficient excuse not to award it.
“We know Richarlison’s reputation, he goes down easily and he’s gone down easily on this one. The referee’s bought it.”
Despite hammering South Korea, Brazil crashed out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage with a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia on Friday (9 December).
Richarlison finished the tournament with three goals and an assist in four starts.
In other news, a club is close to signing a Tottenham sensation and a 1 January move is expected.