Gianluigi Donnarumma has come under heavy criticism from Keith Hackett for what he described as “absolutely disgraceful” conduct during PSG’s victory over Arsenal.
Hackett, a former PGMOL boss and FIFA official, told Football Insider that Donnarumma should face retrospective punishment for simulation, arguing that incidents like the goalkeeper’s behavior at the Emirates warrant a post-match ban.
Ticket allocation issues dominated the build-up to the Champions League semi-final, with Arsenal reducing PSG’s away tickets and the French side responding in kind. Hackett urged Arsenal to file a formal complaint with UEFA.
Tensions were high throughout the match. PSG took an early lead through Ousmane Dembele, while Arsenal were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Jurrien Timber made contact with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Later, the Gunners had a penalty appeal denied after Joao Neves brought down Mikel Merino, but referee Slavko Vincic dismissed their claims.
As Arsenal pressed for an equaliser in the final moments, they earned a corner. Despite PSG dominating much of the match, they came under late pressure. When Declan Rice delivered the cross, Donnarumma fell to the ground after minimal contact from Ben White, prompting Vincic to blow his whistle—drawing boos from the crowd and frustration from Arsenal.
After watching replays, Hackett condemned the incident and criticized the praise aimed at Vincic, telling Football Insider: “Football’s governing bodies must introduce retrospective punishment for simulation. What Donnarumma did was outright cheating, and those in charge must act to protect the integrity of the sport.”
He added that such behavior, especially in a globally watched match, sends the wrong message about the game’s values, and questioned the officiating team’s failure to catch the act or correct other questionable calls—such as Bukayo Saka’s foul on Nuno Mendes, which he claimed was wrongly given.