In the first blockbuster fixture of the Premier League season, Manchester United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford, with Riccardo Calafiori’s goal capitalising on a moment of uncertainty from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir following Declan Rice’s corner. However, the match wasn’t without its controversies, as former PGMOL head, Keith Hackett, found fault in referee Simon Hooper’s handling of a contentious penalty situation involving United’s Matheus Cunha and Arsenal’s William Saliba.
The Red Devils, who largely controlled the tempo of the game, were left ruing their missed opportunities, particularly when cries for a penalty went unheard. Saliba’s challenge on Cunha in the box sparked debate as the Arsenal defender appeared to have made no discernible contact with the ball, leaving the United faithful and players alike protesting vociferously.
Despite the appeals and scrutiny, Hackett, with his wealth of officiating experience, supported the referee’s decision to waive away the penalty claims. Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett noted, “There is no denying the contact made by Saliba; however, Cunha was already descending and seeking a penalty. The referee had it spot on. The intervention of VAR wasn’t necessitated as it wasn’t a clear and apparent oversight,” he remarked, adding a note on the art of exaggeration often employed by players to win penalties.
On a broader note, Hackett didn’t hesitate to critique Hooper’s overall management of the game. The former official accused Hooper of being “inconsistent and lacking authority” – an assessment he believes was underscored by Hooper’s reluctance to intervene when necessary. “The referee appeared to allow play to flow aimlessly without adequately signalling advantage, raising questions about his awareness. His minimalist approach let the game’s intensity simmer at times. Fortunately, the player’s discipline aided him,” he went on.
Hackett further elaborated on the apparent dichotomy in Hooper’s decision-making, questioning the referee’s appointment to such a pivotal clash, notorious for its competitive fervour. “Given the historical rivalry between these sides, deploying a referee who could exert firm control was imperative. Whilst both teams exhibited commendable discipline, the inconsistency in officiating, particularly during reckless early challenges that warranted caution yet went unpunished, was a glaring issue,” Hackett stated.
With echoes of Howard Webb’s stringent guidelines on penalty box grappling, Hackett’s critique highlights the ongoing scrutiny referees face at this intense level, as fan frustrations simmer parallel to on-pitch battles.