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Ex-PGMOL chief: West Ham star cheats v Newcastle, should have been punished

West Ham

(Credit: Sky Sports Premier League)

Keith Hackett

Tue 11 March 2025 7:40, UK

Max Kilman was at the heart of controversy as West Ham crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday.

Bruno Guimaraes scored the only goal of the game, sliding in from a Harvey Barnes cross to steal all three points at the London Stadium.

Graham Potter and Kilman were not happy with the goal as their small winning streak was snapped, admitting they believed there was a foul in the build up.

West Ham

Graham Potter (Credit: Imago)

Keith Hackett hits back at West Ham

Despite Kilman and Potter claiming a foul from Alexander Isak just before the goal, Keith Hackett believes that the defender went down far too easily in the box after replays.

Isak made slight contact with Kilman, who threw himself to the floor before Guimaraes scored, something Michael Salisbury waved away.

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Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, the ex-FIFA referee and former PGMOL was not happy with Kilman after his actions in the box, insisting he could have been booked too.

“I am witnessing the increasing number of acts of simulation to deceive the referee,” Hackett said.

“Here is another example of the player going to ground in an exaggerated fall after a slight touch in the back.

“The referee in my opinion rightly does not penalise Isak, judging correctly that a foul has not taken place.

West Ham 0-1 Newcastle

Guimaraes – 63′

West Ham v Newcastle

“However, having made that decision, then why not yellow card the player who, by going to ground for an act of simulation?

“For me, it is simply cheating.

“What managers should understand is the fact that when one of their players simulates, they win a penalty kick. However, the opposition does the same, and they have a penalty kick awarded against them.”

West Ham, Max Kilman

West Ham United defender Max Kilman [Credit: Imago]

Kilman must stop complaining

As much as the game has changed at the top level, what has happened to big defenders dominating their box and clearing the ball with ease?

As footage replayed of the incident, it looked clear that Kilman could have just headed the ball away, but instead, he weirdly throws himself to the floor.

While that may be given in most Premier League games, you have to do your job first and that has ultimately cost West Ham any points.

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