'It should have been a penalty' - Ex-refs chief re-analyses Aston Villa vs Man City footage

Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett says Aston Villa should have conceded a penalty for Ian Maatsen's challenge on Iliman Ndiaye in the 31st minute of City's 2-1 defeat.

Aston Villa's shock 2-1 win over Manchester City on 24 October included a controversial moment in the 31st minute when Iliman Ndiaye was brought down by Ian Maatsen in the penalty area. Referee Peter Bankes waved away the claim, but former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider the challenge should have been awarded as a penalty.

Hackett acknowledged that Ndiaye's fall — where his legs went up and he moved backwards rather than forward — may have influenced the referee's decision, but maintained it was a clear foul. "It's a clumsy challenge for sure," Hackett said. "If that was midfield, you'd be given a foul. Therefore the penalty is no different. That's a foul on the defender." He added: "It's a careless challenge and it should have resulted in a penalty kick."

The incident came moments after another penalty appeal for Manchester City when Johan Manzambi collided with Elliot Anderson, which Hackett suggested was a weaker claim than Ndiaye's.