Malo Gusto, Chelsea, Benfica
Credit: Imago / DAZN
Keith Hackett
Sun 29 June 2025 16:41, UK
Keith Hackett believes referee Slavko Vincic took the easy way out as Malo Gusto was punished for a handball during Chelsea’s win over Benfica.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the “easy decision” was to agree with VAR after being called over to the pitchside monitor to review a potential penalty call.
Reece James had fired Enzo Maresca’s side into the lead against the Portuguese giants on Saturday, 28 June, planting one foot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals in North Carolina.
However, after a significantly long wait due to adverse weather conditions, Benfica were given one final chance to even up the scores and take the game to extra time.
Angel Di Maria tucks away penalty after controversial decision
The ball appeared to brush Gusto’s flailing arm in the second minute of added time, and while it seemed like a natural position, Vincic was advised to take a second look before pointing to the penalty spot.
Angel Di Maria fired past Robert Sanchez from 12 yards to send the game to extra time, only for Chelsea’s exit-linked forward Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to wrap up the win in style.
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Although the decision did not end up costing the Blues’ defeat, and subsequently being knocked out of the tournament, it was a very controversial decision, and Hackett has shared his thoughts on the incident.
Hackett previously accused a referee of not reversing his decision on Rico Lewis’ sending-off for Man City out of fear of being sent home, and he believes a similar incident has occurred here, too.
Chelsea avoid disappointment despite last-gasp penalty call
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “This is such a big call and, frankly, I’m trying to determine if the actions of the Chelsea player were natural, or if the positioning of the arm is a deliberate attempt to make the body shape bigger.
“The intervention of VAR does not allow any wiggle room for the referee, and, in the replay, he sees a raised arm and the ball making contact with the Chelsea player’s raised hand.
Keith Hackett
“It is like most handballs – a subjective decision. In these situations, the referee is going to take the easy decision of confirming with his VAR colleague that it is an offence and to award a penalty kick.”
Drawing his thoughts to a conclusion, Hackett ended by saying: “In the middle officiating, I would not have awarded a penalty kick.”
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