Ex-PGMOL Boss Keith Hackett Calls for Rule Change After Controversial Merseyside Derby Finish
Following the recent Merseyside derby, former PGMOL head and retired referee Keith Hackett has suggested a change to football’s timekeeping rules.
Liverpool secured their fifth consecutive Premier League win by beating rivals Everton 2-1 in the first derby clash of the season. Early goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike gave Liverpool a solid advantage at halftime.
Everton responded strongly in the second half and looked the better side for stretches. Idrissa Gana Gueye managed to score and cut the deficit, but David Moyes’ men couldn’t find an equaliser despite their spirited display.
Controversy arose at the end of the match when referee Darren England added only three minutes of stoppage time — a decision that raised eyebrows given the flow of the game. In the aftermath, Hackett, speaking to Football Insider, didn’t hold back in voicing his concerns.
Hackett Suggests New Timekeeping System
Considering Everton’s momentum, many felt that more added time could have given them a real chance to draw level. However, the limited stoppage time left little opportunity for a comeback.
Everton players were visibly frustrated, surrounding the referee at the final whistle. Even on-loan midfielder Jack Grealish received a yellow card after the match had ended.
In response, Hackett proposed a significant change to how match time is managed. He remarked:
“Remember when Premier League games had 10, 11, even 14 minutes of added time? That trend lasted only about six weeks. Yet in the Merseyside derby today (20th September), there were just three minutes…
“That’s not enough. The rulemakers should consider removing timekeeping from referees and instead bring in an independent timekeeper who operates a visible stop-clock inside the stadium.
“This could reduce time-wasting and players faking injuries. They’ll be more eager to keep the game going.”
It remains uncertain whether English football authorities will act on Hackett’s proposal, but there’s no denying it could bring greater transparency and consistency to how stoppage time is calculated.
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