Ex-refs chief hits out at Enzo Fernandez after analysing Man City vs Aston Villa footage

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett criticised Enzo Fernandez's dive attempt in Manchester City's loss to Aston Villa, rating it 9/10 for simulation.

Keith Hackett, the former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee, analysed referee Peter Bankes' performance during Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on 24 October. Hackett praised Bankes for correctly rejecting Enzo Fernandez's penalty appeal after the midfielder threw himself to the ground following minimal contact from Joao Gomes in the penalty area.

Hackett told Football Insider that Fernandez's dive attempt was poorly executed, rating it "nine out of 10" for simulation. He explained that the contact lacked the force needed to justify going down, noting that a genuine push typically involves a bent arm straightening to generate force, whereas Fernandez simply had hands sticking out with no real power behind them.

Hackett also reviewed other penalty decisions from the match, suggesting Bankes got all three appeals correct, with Johan Manzambi and Iliman Ndiaye both going down under legitimate pressure. However, Hackett felt Bankes was overly harsh with his cards elsewhere, particularly the yellow card given to Marc Guehi for a challenge he appeared to win fairly against Nicolas Jackson.