‘Something’s Off’ – Former PGMOL Chief Slams Officials After Mohamed Salah Incident Reviewed Against Crystal Palace

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has criticised Chris Kavanagh and Matt Donohue for failing to correctly rule out Liverpool’s equaliser against Crystal Palace.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett insisted that Federico Chiesa’s goal should have been disallowed during the match at Selhurst Park on Saturday, 27 September. Palace took an early lead through Ismaila Sarr after just nine minutes, with Jean-Philippe Mateta missing several chances to extend their advantage. Liverpool capitalised late on, equalising in the 87th minute, only for Eddie Nketiah to snatch a dramatic winner in stoppage time.

However, Liverpool’s goal has become the main talking point of Palace’s 2-1 win. In the build-up, Mohamed Salah appeared to handle the ball before Chiesa scored, but despite a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood. Hackett expressed disbelief over the decision, stressing that the handball was “clear and obvious.”

“It’s hard to comprehend when you see the replay,” Hackett said. “Salah clearly handled the ball, making his body shape bigger as he reached out. The referee didn’t see it, but VAR had the chance to correct it and still failed to act. This was handball, plain and simple. Either there’s a communication issue or a technical problem, but it’s unacceptable when the evidence is this clear.”

Kavanagh has already been at the centre of multiple controversies this season. Hackett previously called for him to be suspended after errors in Newcastle United’s clash with Wolves earlier this month. He was also criticised for decisions in Manchester United’s narrow win over Fulham, including a goal allowed despite Leny Yoro pushing Calvin Bassey.

The start of the season has been littered with high-profile mistakes by PGMOL officials. Simon Hooper also came under fire for missing a blatant penalty in Chelsea’s game against Brighton. Hackett warned that Howard Webb must take decisive action before criticism of refereeing standards in the Premier League spirals out of control — if it hasn’t already.