Laird Penalty ‘manufactured’ According to Hackett (26 replies)

[www.footballinsider247.com]

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I’m less convinced about this decision. I think it’s manufactured, and the referee has bought it. It shouldn’t have been a penalty kick.

“Defenders have to take great care because a careless challenge can quickly become a penalty kick, but the player seems to have gone down before the contact.

“The referee is in a really good position, so it’s one he should have turned down. As referees, we can sometimes work on signals, and the defender gave nothing that said, ‘I’m innocent’.”