Keith Hackett praises Crystal Palace penalty vs Newcastle, despite Lerma's 'exaggerated' fall

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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Mon 13 April 2026 11:45, UK Jefferson Lerma had no other choice but to exaggerate his fall to win Crystal Palace’s late winning penalty against Newcastle United.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Andy Madley should be praised for his key decision at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 12 April.Oliver Glasner’s side were pushing for a winner after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first goal ruled out William Osula’s opener, only to be awarded a spot-kick in the second minute of added time.Palace stole all three points against Newcastle at the death, with Mateta tucking away the penalty in style, but the travelling supporters were furious to see the decision go against them. ⚽ Newcastle Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Newcastle United fixture. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Andy Madley should be praised over Jefferson Lerma decisionSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There’s no doubt that the offended player, who is being held, has exaggerated his fall.

“But the referee has given the first offence, which is the holding. I’m praising the referee, who is prepared to punish holding in the penalty area.

I’m not going to criticise. I’m going to praise him.