'Where is VAR?' - Ex-refs chief fumes after re-analysing Donyell Malen-Netherlands controversy
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Credit: Imago / NPO Live
Harri Burton
Mon 8 September 2025 13:11, UK
Aston Villa star Donyell Malen has every right to be frustrated after seeing his goal against Lithuania disallowed, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that defender Rokas Lekiatas went to ground far too easily against the Netherlands forward, but it was enough to convince the referee.
Malen was linked with an Aston Villa exit over the summer, having rarely featured for Unai Emery back at Villa Park, but the 26-year-old was handed a start against Lithuania on Sunday, 7 September.
Instead, Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle United while Leon Bailey joined AS Roma, leaving the manager in need of his remaining wingers.
In the 72nd minute, he had the chance to put the game out of sight for Ronald Koeman‘s side, slotting home into an empty net, but play was pulled back for a push on the opposition defender.
Credit: Imago
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Memphis Depay became the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, with Quinten Timber also getting on the scoresheet, but goals from Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis gave the Dutch a scare.
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Reacting to the incident that would have definitely secured all three points for the Netherlands, Hackett took issue with the foul being awarded, suggesting that the referee was at fault for the wrong decision.
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the disallowed goal, saying: “There’s not a push, is there?
There’s contact, and football is a contact sport.
I don’t like goals being ruled out on a whim.
“It’s an easy decision to rule out the goal.
I think Malen has every right to complain because that goal should have been allowed to stand.
The referee has gone for safety because he’s caught out of position.
“Some will say that it comes under the banner of common sense.
That goal being chalked off is a clear and obvious error.