Willy Gnonto, Italy U21s, Leeds United
Credit: Imago / Italy YouTube
Keith Hackett
Wed 25 June 2025 18:42, UK
Keith Hackett was astounded by the decision to send off Leeds United star Willy Gnonto as Italy Under-21s were knocked out of Euro U21.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he struggled to find anything wrong with the attacker’s challenge on Max Rosenfelder as he picked up a second yellow card.
Both sides were eyeing a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals on Sunday, 22 June, with the winner facing France on Wednesday, 25 June, with the game eventually finishing 3-2 after extra time.
Burnley‘s Luca Koleosho opened the scoring before Nick Woltemade hit back, with Gnonto then being sent off 10 minutes from full-time for his apparent lunge on the German defender.
Leeds United star wrongfully sent off at Euro U21
It looked as though Germany had scored the winner just six minutes later, though the Italians hit back with a direct free-kick in the sixth minute of added time at the MOL Arena.
While the young Germans would benefit from their man-advantage in extra time, it was an incredible battle from the Azzurri, especially having gone down an extra man in normal time.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Gnonto, who was left out by Daniel Farke for much of last season, was absolutely heartbroken on the pitch, needing his teammates to console him, and now, Hackett believes the wrong decision was made.
Willy Gnonto, Leeds United
Keith Hackett refuses to slam developing referee as Gnonto sent off
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Crikey. I’ve seen enough. I’m finding it difficult to see that as a foul. That’s not a reckless foul by the player.
“As a consequence, he shouldn’t have received a yellow card, and the referee got it wrong. You’ve got to recognise at this tournament that we’ve not only got players playing at a younger age and developing, but you’ve got referees in the same boat.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett was baffled by Willy Gnonto’s sending off.
“They’re in the early stages of their career, too. He’s gone for safety first. He’s not got a good angle, so Gnonto should not have received a yellow card.”
The 21-year-old picked up five cautions in the Championship last season, adding to his four yellow cards from the season before, but his challenge should not have lived up to his feisty character.
Related Posts