'Incredible' - Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to Divin Mubama's 'simulation' in Stoke City win
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Harri Burton
Mon 25 August 2025 19:00, UK
Divin Mubama was correctly sent off for an “act of simulation” as Stoke City stunned Southampton in a 2-1 win, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Joshua Smith had no other choice but to send the Man City loanee off for diving on Saturday, 23 August..
After picking up a yellow card in the first half for a foul on Flynn Downes, the 20-year-old was through in on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat, before throwing himself to the ground in search of a penalty.
Thanks to goals from Lewis Baker and Sorba Thomas, Taylor Harwood-Bellis‘ late header was nothing but a consolation goal, and all three points saw the Potters move to the top of the Championship table.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
With two goals in his first two games in the Championship, the 20-year-old forward was settling into life at the bet365 Stadium well, only to be sent off during the win over the Saints at St Mary’s Stadium.
He is now set to miss Stoke’s game against West Brom on Saturday, 30 August, which could be a hugely important game among teams aiming for a Championship play-off spot this season.
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That will be the last thing that Mark Robins will have wanted before facing the Baggies, but the Potters will have to upon new signing Robert Bozenik for a striker figure now.
Supporters will be hoping for the young supporter to learn from this moment, rather than attempt to add controversial incidents to his game more often.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The referee has got this one right.
I don’t see any physical contact with the player.
He’s in possession of the ball, has one player left to beat, and if he just pushes the ball, he’ll have a shot at goal.
“The referee is absolutely 100 per cent right.
Good on the referee for not ducking away from it.
Mark Robins side won all three points.
(Credit: Getty Images)
“I know Stoke City fans are upset because I’ve had some contact me, and they’re unhappy with my answer, but they know it because they don’t come back with anything.
“It was a poor act of simulation by the player, so if I were a fan, I’d be upset that he’s decided to go to ground instead of having a shot.