Amad Tyrique George Chris Kavanagh, Man United Chelsea PGMOL
(Credit: Sky Sports)
Keith Hackett
Fri 16 May 2025 23:11, UK
Keith Hackett gave his verdict on Amad and Tyrique Georges’ respective dives and Chris Kavanagh’s decision-making process following Chelsea’s win over Man United.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the referee and VAR had made two important decisions in a tight affair.
Despite Man United having little but pride to play for, Ruben Amorim fielded a strong side against Chelsea.
Al Hilal target Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Amad all featured, whilst the Blues were forced to field George up front due to Nicolas Jackson serving a suspension for his red card against Newcastle.
The first half was a tense affair, with United’s towering centre-back finding the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR.
But ultimately, Amorim’s team caved in the second half, wilting under the pressure of a Blues side desperate for points.
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Marc Cucurella’s header gave Chelsea all three points as they took a step closer to Champions League qualification, but two dives in the second half caught the attention of Hackett.
Andre Onana, Man United
Andre Onana was furious that a penalty was awarded. (Credit: Sky Sports)
Tyrique George earns Chelsea penalty
With 61 minutes gone and the scores level, George looked to have fashioned a gilt-edged opportunity for Chelsea to take the lead from the penalty spot.
The makeshift striker was played through on goal and took a tumble, with Kavanagh immediately pointing to the spot.
However, after some furious protestations from Andre Onana, and a VAR review, the penalty was overturned.
Tyrique George Andre Onana, Chelsea Man United
Tyrique George went to ground trying to win a penalty. (Credit: Sky Sports)
Amad shown yellow card for dive in Chelsea penalty box
Only a few minutes later, Amad then broke through and looked to win a penalty of his own.
The winger went to ground with Levi Colwill in close proximity, but without needing the help of VAR, Kavanagh quickly indicated his whistle was for a Chelsea free kick.
Interestingly, the referee decided to show Amad a yellow card for his simulation, something George was spared of for his dive.
Amad, Man United
Amad went to ground easily and was shown a yellow card. (Credit: Sky Sports)
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Amad, George dive footage
Having analysed the two incidents, former PGMOL chief Hackett gave his opinion exclusively to Football Insider, commending Kavanagh and VAR for correctly intervening on the penalty kick award.
He said: “VAR correctly intervened to advise referee Kavanagh that his penalty kick award to Chelsea should be reviewed.
“Replays clearly show no contact by the goalkeeper on his opponent.
“Review at the monitor by Kavanagh and his penalty kick decision was correctly overturned.”
Hackett then added having reviewed Amad’s dive: “Good to see the referee yellow card Manchester United’s Amad for a clear act of simulation attempting to deceive the referee.”
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