Ex-FIFA official reacts to footage of controversial incident in Ipswich vs Middlesbrough: 'Inconsistency'

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(Credit: Imago) Sun 19 April 2026 14:47, UK Jarred Gillet was right to award a late penalty kick to Ipswich Town as they snatched a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough in the Championship on Sunday. The Tractor Boys’ hopes of automatic promotion had looked set to be dented by a defeat to Kim Hellberg’s men, but they recovered to cling on to second spot.

The Championship promotion race looks set to go down to the wire, with Ipswich, Millwall, Southampton and Middlesbrough all within three points of each other heading into the final three games.Keith Hackett in no doubt over penalty incidentMiddlesbrough thought they were edging towards a huge three points at Portman Road on Sunday, as goals from David Strelec and Tommy Conway had put them 2-1 up heading into the final stages. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES However, they were ultimately forced to settle for a point after Malanda’s misdemeanour, a moment that could prove to be decisive in the race for automatic promotion at the end of the season.

“Malanda used his arms illegally on his opponent, and at last a referee demonstrated the courage to penalise the Middlesbrough player for his actions,” Hackett exclusively told Football Insider.“The outcome of the award of a penalty kick highlights the inconsistency of the law application by the referees in the PGMOL. They have remained inside the automatic promotion places on goal difference after Sunday’s action, but crucially have a game in hand to come against Southampton, which could see them put daylight between them the chasing pack.