'It's cheating' - Ex-refs chief rages at Tottenham star, deserves 'one-match ban' after Everton
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Credit: Imago Mon 25 May 2026 13:45, UK Pape Sarr deserves to miss Tottenham Hotspur‘s first game of the 2026-27 season after “cheating” against Everton.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that more must be done to deter Premier League players from attempting acts of simulation.With Spurs in search of another goal to secure all three points on Sunday, 24 May, the substitute midfielder threw himself to the floor inside the penalty area, hoping to win a key spot-kick.Clearly not buying the attempt, Michael Oliver immediately brandished a yellow card to Sarr, and while Tottenham eventually won 1-0, Hackett believes that his actions should have further consequences.Michael Oliver deserves applause, but Pape Sarr needs more punishmentSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There are several routes, aren’t there? First of all, let’s compliment Michael Oliver for taking action on it.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES “If referees did it consistently, when they were able to detect it, then I think it would reduce the incidence of players cheating. “I still believe that there is another route, and I think to get that consistency, which is the important bit, let’s penalise everybody in a consistent manner.
“There’s weak detection and action on the field of play. It’s not a deterrent at all, a yellow card.”Tottenham’s No.29 may never play in North London againSarr has certainly slipped down the pecking order in North London, and under Roberto De Zerbi, he has rarely been given the chance to prove himself, which is why he may have gone to ground so easily.Clubs are keeping tabs on the player’s situation, though, and Football Insider understands that Bayern Munich are keen on bringing Sarr in to join Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena this summer.That would be quite the jump from Hotspur Way to the Bundesliga giants, but it just goes to show how talented the midfielder really is.