'Is he trying to cheat?' - Ex-FIFA ref re-analyses Ismaila Sarr-Nottingham Forest footage
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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Football
Harri Burton
Mon 25 August 2025 13:48, UK
Anthony Taylor was wrong not to award a free-kick against Nottingham Forest following a challenge on Crystal Palace star Isamila Sarr, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Neco Williams could have been carded for his foul, so it was a surprise not to even see a free-kick awarded in the 42nd minute.
Michael Angerschmid was cautioned for his protestations on the touchline, with emotions bubbling over at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 24 August, as Forest were able to break away on the counter-attack.
On social media, supporters were quick to poke fun at the winger’s playacting, and in agreement with them, Hackett said that Taylor should have given a yellow card for simulation if it was not a free-kick.
One of Oliver Glasner’s staff was furious with the decision.
(Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Both sides were fighting for every ball at Selhurst Park, with those in the stands also getting in trouble after Palace fans brought in a banner of Evangelos Marinakis holding a gun to Morgan Gibbs-White‘s head.
The feud was there for all to see after the Reds’ involvement in the Eagles’ demotion to the Europa Conference League, which ultimately saw Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side promoted to the Europa League.
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Sarr had opened the scoring after 37 minutes, but after a brilliant pass from new signing Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi dragged Forest onto level terms in the 1-1 draw away from the City Ground.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said, after re-analysing the footage: “Free-kicks should be given here.
What I’ve seen in Anthony Taylor is an increasing maturity and better management of players through his personality.
“If he’s judged it not to be a foul, I think he’s got that one wrong.
Keith Hackett wanted Anthony Taylor to award a free-kick to Crystal Palace.
“If you’re not giving a free-kick, you ask the question of whether it’s an act of simulation.
Is he trying to cheat to get a free-kick?
If Anthony Taylor doesn’t see this as an offence, caution for simulation.