Ex-PGMOL chief: Cheating players to blame for 'dilemma' over Liverpool vs Man United stoppage controversy

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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Mon 20 October 2025 20:30, UK Michael Oliver should not be blamed for the controversy surrounding Alexis Mac Allister’s head injury against Man United.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referees have been given a very difficult job of controlling situations due to simulation.Hackett previously described diving as a “disease” in football after Noni Madueke tried to buy a penalty for England back in September, and players continue to win penalties or stop play in this manner.This could be one of the reasons why, when Mac Allister went to ground at Anfield on Sunday, 19 October, Oliver allowed play to continue before Bryan Mbeumo scored the opener inside two minutes.Alexis Mac Allister’s injury causes debate at AnfieldHome supporters were outraged by play being allowed to continue despite one of their stars on the floor, having been elbowed in the back of the head by Virgil van Dijk.It was a massively key moment for both sides, as the Red Devils went on to take the lead just seconds later, and Mac Allister ended up needing treatment and a protective cap for his head. I think he will reflect on the situation.

“I have no doubt that he saw three players come together, didn’t have the best view, and saw the ball break quickly, heading towards the goal. This is a dilemma because we’ve seen last season, this season, of players simulating a head injury when they haven’t.

“A referee has to make a judgement, and while I have criticised some referees over the seasons, they’ve got a great deal of experience to get to that level. Some will say that play should have been stopped immediately, and I understand it, but we’ve got to get into a world where simulation, players rolling over, is gone.”