Aberdeen FC's Toyosi Olusanya has been accused of diving for a late penalty in a dramatic win over Hearts. Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has slammed the decision, saying the player went down 'pretty easily'.
Hackett, who exclusively spoke to Football Insider, said the player's action was a 'gamble' and that the referee's decision was not clear and obvious.
What happened?
The incident occurred in the 89th minute of the match, with Aberdeen FC's Oisin McEntee scoring the equalizing goal. The Jambos looked set to claim the win, but a spirited comeback saw the Dons take all three points.
Why it matters for Aberdeen FC
The decision had huge repercussions, with Wouter Vrancken's side falling to their first defeat of the season. The loss was a significant blow to Hearts' title hopes, and the controversy surrounding the late penalty has sparked debate among fans.
What comes next?
The incident has raised questions about the consistency of refereeing decisions in the Scottish Premiership. Aberdeen FC's manager, Stephen Glass, has been praised for his team's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
As of August 4, 2026, Aberdeen FC sits 4th in the Premiership with 3 points, 1 win, 0 draws, and 0 losses from 1 game, with a recent form of W. The team has scored 2 goals this season and conceded 1.
In a statement, Hackett said, 'The player's gone down pretty easily. This is the problem with the game. Once the referee's decided that's a foul, VAR is not going to intervene.'
He continued, 'They're not going to come in because it's not clear and obvious. To me, when I'm awarding a penalty kick, I want a bit more, if I'm honest.'
The incident has sparked a heated debate among fans, with some labeling the decision as 'shocking'. The controversy surrounding the late penalty has raised questions about the consistency of refereeing decisions in the Scottish Premiership.
