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

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.

That is according to ex-FIFA referee and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who has exclusively told Football Insider that the official should be praised for the bravery that he showed to award the spot-kick.

Middlesbrough defender Adilson Malanda was penalised for hauling Ipswich forward George Hirst to the floor in the 87th minute, and Jack Clarke stepped up to convert from 12 yards and earn a crucial point for his team.

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 incident

Middlesbrough 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.

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.

Gillet showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot when Hirst went to ground, and also brandished a yellow card to the defender for the way that he grappled inside the box.

Hackett feels that the Australian was correct with his judgment of the incident, and he clearly feels that more referees should be willing to award penalties for similar holding offences.

“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. Many referees last season took no action in similar incidents, hence the surprised look on the defender’s face.

“Players should play with their feet not their hands.”

Ipswich stay in box seat for promotion to the Premier League

Football Insider revealed at the start of April that Ipswich will target six new signings to bolster their squad if they are promoted to the Premier League, and they are now one step closer to being able to put that plan into action.

Kieran McKenna’s side were beaten in surprise fashion away at struggling Portsmouth in midweek, but they bounced back immediately with a huge point on Sunday.

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.

Claches with Charlton, West Brom and QPR are also on the horizon for McKenna’s men in the coming weeks, and they still have work to do if they want to be at the top table of English football again next term.

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