Former Premier League referees’ chief Keith Hackett has urged Howard Webb to take action against referee Andy Madley following Liverpool’s controversial 1–0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield.
Hackett questioned Madley’s appointment for such a high-profile fixture and argued that referees should earn big-game assignments through consistent performances.
The major controversy came when Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak’s shirt inside the penalty area. Liverpool were denied a penalty, and VAR official Stuart Attwell did not recommend an on-field review.
Hackett believes the incident was a clear refereeing error and argues that Timber could even have received a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett made his position clear, saying referees need to improve their performances and become more consistent. He added that, if he were responsible for appointments, Madley would not officiate a Premier League match the following weekend.
The controversy intensified after Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his frustration with the decision. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also questioned why the penalty was not awarded, suggesting that Isak might have won the decision had he gone to ground.
Meanwhile, another flashpoint involved Alexis Mac Allister and Noni Madueke. Mac Allister went down after contact with Madueke, and the Liverpool midfielder was booked following the incident.
Arsenal ultimately held on to win 1–0, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal. The result sparked renewed debate over VAR consistency, referee appointments and accountability in English football.
Hackett believes Howard Webb, who leads the organisation responsible for Premier League refereeing standards, must ensure that officials are held accountable when their performances fall below expectations.
However, there has been no confirmed announcement that Madley has been suspended.
