Keith Hackett hits out at PGMOL over Virgil van Dijk incident in Liverpool vs Chelsea

Howard Webb and the PGMOL are at fault, as Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk complained about grappling against Chelsea.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Craig Pawson should have made a decision at Anfield, rather than turn a blind eye.

In the 79th minute, the Reds’ No.4 was desperate for a penalty to be awarded after being dragged over inside the area by Moises Caicedo, but even after a VAR review, those calls fell upon deaf ears.

Liverpool were forced to settle for a point on Saturday, 9 May, and it remains unclear as to whether Arne Slot’s side should have been awarded a spot-kick late in the second half.

PGMOL to blame over in-penalty area controversy

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The referee and VAR just turn a blind eye to this type of grappling in the penalty area. The answer they give is that they are both grappling, so it cancels the offence out.

“Until the PGMOL management states clearly to their officials and stakeholders in the game that they are going to apply the law, it will continue. It is either a penalty kick or a foul to the defending team.

“Doing nothing is allowing grappling offences to increase,” as Hackett finished in a scathing review of the current officiating of set-pieces in the Premier League.

It has been a continuous problem throughout the 2025-26 campaign, but with very few changes being made on the pitch, Webb is being urged to make key changes before next season.

Henry Winter agrees with ‘joke’ incidents as Virgil van Dijk left frustrated

Henry Winter is a huge voice on social media when it comes to the sport, and even he is speechless over the officiating at set-pieces, even more so after the clash at Anfield.

Taking to X (9 May), he wrote: “It’s a joke how much grappling has been allowed by officials at corners in the Premier League this season,” and the majority of comments appear to agree with him.

Pawson made multiple mistakes during the 1-1 draw on Merseyside, but this would have been one of the most frustrating, given that it would have been an easy route to a winner for the Reds.

The Blues may also feel that they should have been awarded a spot-kick after Joao Pedro went down under pressure from Jeremie Frimpong, but VAR turned down those calls as well.

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