Crystal Palace should never have been given a penalty in their loss to Man United at Selhurst Park.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Jean-Philippe Mateta misled referee Robert Jones.
Man United defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 after Mateta had converted from the spot in the 36th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount both scored after the interval as Man United turned the game around to move above Crystal Palace in the Premier League standings.
Former ref stunned by Crystal Palace penalty decision:
The referee awarded Crystal Palace a penalty after ruling that Leny Yoro had fouled Mateta, who was driving into the penalty box.
Yoro was attempting a tackle from behind on the forward, but replays seemed to indicate the defender never made contact with him.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Premier League referee Hackett offered his verdict on the moment: “I cannot believe that Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty kick for what is a clear act of simulation to deceive the referee.
“The player succeeded in his actions and the referee got it wrong. VAR should have intervened and frankly this is why I would like to see a review panel look at these incidents after each weekend and where they find a player guilty of simulation issue a one-match ban.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta in contract negotiations:
Mateta remains in discussions with Crystal Palace over a fresh deal, with the south London side eager to retain the 28-year-old.
Crystal Palace have been tipped to secure Mateta to new terms, with the Frenchman once again establishing himself as an important figure for Oliver Glasner this campaign.
Mateta has notched seven goals in 13 Premier League games this season, with the Eagles sitting just four points away from the Champions League spots.