Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has called on UEFA to take action against keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, following Tuesday night's semi-final tie at Arsenal. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele , with keeper Donnarumma one of their key performers.
The Italian international got down to his left to deny just before half-time. He later did brilliantly to tip Leandro Trossard's effort past the post, and when Mikel Merino's header beat him, the goal was ruled out following a VAR check. However, Hackett has been left enraged by the behaviour of the 26-year-old in injury time.
The Gunners forced a corner as they pressed for a late equaliser. However, as soon as whipped in his delivery the referee blew up for a foul on the keeper by Ben White, despite replays showing there was minimal contact.
Hackett, 80, has now called on UEFA to ban Donnarumma. Arguing that the authorities needed to introduce retrospective punishment for simulation, he added the keeper's actions set a poor example.
"This absolutely disgraceful behaviour is 'cheating' and those that work to uphold the integrity of our great game must ensure that action is taken and the goalkeeper issued with a ban," he told . "This game was viewed around the world and does not set a good example of how the game should be played.
"The IFAB (International Football Association Board), in the opening sentences of the Laws of the game, talk about the philosophy and spirit of our game. Then they must do something to ensure that these comments by them are not tarnished."
Hackett was also angered by Bukayo Saka's yellow card. The Arsenal forward was despite replays suggesting otherwise and then booked for kicking the ball away in frustration.
The Englishman pointed the finger at referee Slavko Vincic, adding: "I see praise for the referee last night, but his team have failed to see this action by the goalkeeper or penalising Saka for a non-foul."
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