Former refereeing chief Keith Hackett claims that Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah “dramatic” reaction to feeling contact from West Ham United’s Arthur Masuaku enabled him to “con” both match official Kevin Friend and VAR.
Hackett, 76, was one of English football’s top referees before being appointed general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board.
Often an outspoken critic of refereeing standards, he described Liverpool’s stoppage time ‘winner’ against Everton in last month’s Merseyside Derby being ruled out as a “poor decision.”
However, this time – with Liverpool being awarded a penalty against the Hammers which Salah himself duly converted – the Sheffield-born retired man-in-the-middle believes that Jurgen Klopp’s side have benefited from what he believes was an incorrect call.
Later describing Salah’s reaction as a “ dive ”, Hackett declared on Twitter that he believed the Liverpool player’s fall was “An act of simulation.
“Slight touch and player goes to ground in a dramatic manner.
“Ref and VAR bought the con.”
Liverpool went on to win the game 2-1 thanks to an 85th minute goal from Diogo Jota but the decision to award the penalty has prompted many in the football world to offer their opinion on Salah, including former Reds striker Peter Crouch and Gary Lineker.
