Ex-PGMOL chief: Brighton star should have been sent off for cheating vs Liverpool

Keith Hackett has insisted that Yankuba Minteh should have been sent off in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Seagulls winger was one of the most influential players on the pitch at the AMEX Stadium as they picked up a famous victory.

As a result, pressure has once again increased on Arne Slot, with Liverpool’s Champions League hopes taking another hit.

However, the game could have been completely different if the referee had chosen to give Minteh a second yellow card for simulation in the first period.

Now, Football Insider has got a reaction from Hackett for the incident in yet another damning Liverpool defeat.

Keith Hackett: Yankuba Minteh should have been sent off

Against Liverpool, Minteh was one of the best players on the pitch.

The winger consistently caused issues for Jeremie Frimpong, who was eventually taken off just after the hour mark for his inability to defend against the Brighton star.

However, Minteh could have easily picked up a second yellow card in the first half.

After getting in behind Frimpong inside the Liverpool box, the Brighton star opted to go to ground despite there being no contact.

Yet, referee Darren England did not opt to penalise Minteh for diving, preventing him from receiving a second card, and hence, being sent off.

Defeat at Brighton. #BHALIV pic.twitter.com/8NWCi43NIg— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 21, 2026

When reviewing the footage, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that the referee should have punished the winger with a second yellow.

He said: “There should be only one outcome for this type of offence. A yellow card for attempting to deceive the referee by an act of simulation.

“If referees do not sanction, we will continue to witness this attempt to cheat.”

Minteh continues to get lucky with referees

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider earlier this week, Hackett admitted that Minteh should have been sent off against Sunderland for his off-the-ball spat with Luke O’Nien.

The winger clashed with the Black Cats star, which eventually led to him being subbed off at the Stadium of Light.

Now, while the incident at the AMEX Stadium was far less eye-catching, it is still another lucky outcome for Minteh.

However, this luck will not continue forever, and he needs to have far more discipline if he is going to progress into a top footballer.

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