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Credit: Imago / Fulham X account
Harri Burton
Mon 18 August 2025 15:31, UK
Samuel Barrott could have been more understanding of Rodrigo Muniz’s celebrations as Fulham equalised against Brighton, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the referee was following the letter of the law, his sympathy towards the game should not be seen as a weakness.
Muniz, who has long been linked with a Fulham exit, was booked after scoring an equaliser in the sixth minute of added time at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, 16 August, much to fans’ disappointment.
Matt O’Riley had opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 55 minutes, with Georginio Rutter being brought down by Sander Berge, and the Cottagers were struggling to create much on the afternoon.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Due to the speculation around Muniz’s future at Craven Cottage, the celebrations after the goal were, understandably, emotional, with the striker being thrown a Fulham scarf, which he lifted up high.
That sent a clear message to the fanbase about where he sees himself for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, but it is now claimed that Barrott failed to deal with the situation positively, instead booking the player.
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While Hackett emphasises that the referee was only following the rules, he also suggested that a calmer approach could have been taken to avoid punishing Muniz for his incredible celebrations.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The yellow card, simply, will be for delaying the kick-off.
But what I’m questioning is the need for proactive management from the referee to prevent a yellow card.”
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