Ex-PGMOL Chief: Bournemouth Star Avoids Ban for Cheating as Footage Re-Analysed vs Arsenal

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has claimed that Bournemouth winger Amine Adli was fortunate to escape a sending-off for simulation during his side's narrow Premier League defeat to Arsenal on January 3, 2026.

The incident occurred in Bournemouth's 2-3 loss at the Vitality Stadium, where Arsenal mounted a thrilling comeback victory in Matchweek 20. Adli, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, went down dramatically in the penalty area under minimal contact from an Arsenal defender, prompting appeals for a spot-kick. Referee Michael Oliver waved play on, and VAR did not intervene, allowing the match to continue without further sanction.

Hackett, a respected ex-PGMOL official with decades of refereeing oversight experience, re-examined the footage post-match. He described Adli's actions as a clear act of simulation, stating: "This was blatant cheating. The player's exaggeration was evident, and in today's game, such incidents warrant a red card upon review. Adli can count himself extremely lucky." Hackett highlighted inconsistencies in Adli's body movement and lack of genuine contact, urging the FA to consider retrospective action despite no in-game punishment.

Bournemouth had hoped to build on recent form, including a successful appeal overturning striker Evanilson's red card against Manchester United earlier in the week, which spared him a three-match ban.^[1] However, against Arsenal, they led twice—through goals from their forwards—before late strikes from Gunners' stars, including a redemption effort from Gabriel, sealed the points. Mikel Arteta praised his team's resilience post-match, noting Bournemouth's constant threats in a tense affair.^[3]

The controversy adds to ongoing debates about diving in the Premier League, with Hackett calling for stricter VAR protocols on simulation. Adli remains available for selection, but the footage has reignited fan backlash on social media. Bournemouth sit 10th, while Arsenal climb towards the top four.

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