'Blatant cheating' - Ex-PGMOL hits out at 'cynical' footage of Liverpool star vs Aston Villa
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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Premier League Mon 18 May 2026 14:00, UK Alexis Mac Allister and Ezri Konsa both could have been sent off during Aston Villa’s 4-1 win over Liverpool at Villa Park.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds’ midfielder should have been caught for “blatant cheating” on Friday, 15 May.Unai Emery’s side claimed a 4-2 win over their rivals, both of whom are challenging for Champions League qualification spots, and it could have ended very different inside the Liverpool penalty area.In the 71st minute, VAR were forced to check an incident after Chris Kavanagh stopped play, with Mac Allister hitting the deck, clashing with Konsa at a corner kick. VISIT THE LIVERPOOL MATCH HUBAlexis Mac Allister incident deserves to be reviewed for simulationWhile replays showed the two grabbing and pushing each other, it was nowhere near enough for the Reds’ No.10 to fall to the floor in need of treatment, and he’s now been called out for it.
Why did they both have their hands in each other’s faces? It’s because they know they can get away with it, thanks to poor officiating.
The game has a long way to go to resolve the issue of blatant cheating.”Liverpool star gets caught cheating againIt was only last month when Hackett was criticising the Argentine for an act of simulation, with a Liverpool penalty being overturned during their Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG.Mac Allister was deemed to be fouled by Willian Pacho, only for a VAR review to take place, and the decision to be overturned. Referees could soon be putting a target on his back, and for a midfielder with a big challenge, that is the last thing he needs.Arne Slot could do with having a word or two with Mac Allister before the final game of the season. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.