Keith Hackett Explains Why Mohamed Salah's Penalty Should Have Been Disallowed vs Brighton

In a detailed analysis, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has ruled that Mohamed Salah's penalty against Brighton should have been disallowed, citing a critical refereeing error during Liverpool's match.

The incident occurred in Liverpool's clash with Brighton, where Salah converted a spot-kick that proved decisive. Hackett, a respected ex-FIFA official, argued that the awarding of the penalty was flawed under current laws. He explained that the foul leading to the penalty did not meet the necessary criteria, potentially involving an offside position or incorrect handball judgment by the officials.[1][4]

Hackett emphasized the role of VAR in such decisions, noting that technology should have intervened to overturn the call. "The decision was clear-cut; the penalty should never have been given," he told Football Insider. He pointed to similar past controversies involving Salah, including penalties against Burnley and other opponents where retakes or disallowances were debated.[2]

During the game, Brighton players protested vehemently, but referee decisions stood. Hackett praised Brighton's resilience despite the call, highlighting Diego Gomez's performance, who narrowly avoided a red card in the 2-0 defeat. This ruling aligns with Hackett's history of critiquing Liverpool-related officiating, such as overlooked fouls on Salah and substitution mishaps.[3][4]

Hackett warned that inconsistent refereeing undermines the Premier League's integrity, urging PGMOL to address biases in penalty awards favoring high-profile players like Salah. He referenced Salah's low foul count and uneven treatment compared to English stars, calling for better training and accountability.[5]

Liverpool secured the win, but Hackett's verdict fuels ongoing debates about Salah's penalty prowess and referee accuracy. Fans and pundits await official reviews, as such errors could sway the title race.

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