Keith Hackett Shares His Opinion on the Controversial Penalty Call in Everton vs. Arsenal 1-1 Draw

Former Premier League Referee Criticizes Controversial Penalty Decision in Arsenal’s 1-1 Draw with Everton

A former Premier League referee has weighed in on the controversial penalty awarded against Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday. The young midfielder was at the center of another contentious moment when he brought down Jack Harrison just 90 seconds into the second half at Goodison Park, leading to Iliman Ndiaye equalizing Leandro Trossard’s opener.

Lewis-Skelly had previously been on the wrong side of officiating decisions, having received a red card against Wolves—a call that was later overturned on appeal. However, this time, Mikel Arteta’s side had to accept the consequences of the penalty, which ultimately cost them a crucial victory. Now, a former PGMOL chief has shared his perspective on the decision made by referee Darren England and VAR official Stuart Atwell.

Keith Hackett Criticizes Lewis-Skelly Penalty Decision

Former referee chief Keith Hackett has strongly condemned the penalty decision, expressing his disbelief at Darren England’s call.

In an interview with Football Insider, Hackett argued that the more appropriate decision would have been a free kick to Arsenal rather than a penalty for Everton. He pointed out that replays showed both Lewis-Skelly and Harrison grappling before entering the penalty area, suggesting that stopping the play at that point would have been the correct and safer judgment.

“When you examine the penalty awarded by Darren England in the Everton vs. Arsenal match, it’s an extremely harsh call,” Hackett stated. “Looking closer, you can see that the Everton player [Harrison] initiated the contact, and both players tangled afterward.

“In my opinion, the correct decision should have been a free kick for the defending team—not a penalty.”

Additionally, Hackett criticized England’s overall performance, questioning his suitability for officiating at the highest level.

“We need to ask whether Darren England is truly capable of officiating at the elite level. When he blows his whistle, his body language suggests he was signaling for a free kick rather than awarding a penalty or ending the match.”