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‘Crikey!’ – Ex-FIFA Ref Slams Gnonto Red Card at Euro U21s as Italy Crash Out: “That Was Never a Foul”
Former Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett has weighed in on the controversial red card shown to Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto during Italy’s dramatic exit from the UEFA Under-21 European Championship, calling the decision “bewildering.”
Gnonto, who started for Italy in the high-stakes quarter-final against Germany on 22 June, was sent off in the 80th minute after a second yellow card for a challenge on defender Max Rosenfelder. The match, which ended 3-2 in favour of Germany after extra time, saw both sides battling for a place in the semi-finals against France.
Burnley youngster Luca Koleosho put Italy ahead early on, only for Germany to respond through Nick Woltemade. But the game turned on its head when Gnonto was dismissed late in the second half, reducing Italy to 10 men. Though the Italians fought back with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, their numerical disadvantage proved costly in extra time.
The red card incident sparked immediate controversy. Speaking exclusively to *Football Insider*, Hackett expressed disbelief over the referee’s call, insisting that Gnonto’s tackle was neither reckless nor worthy of a booking.
“Crikey. I’ve watched it back, and I genuinely don’t see a foul there,” Hackett said. “That wasn’t a dangerous challenge—certainly not one that warrants a second yellow. The referee got it wrong.”
Hackett acknowledged that both players and officials at the youth tournament are still developing, and suggested the referee may have erred on the side of caution due to inexperience or poor positioning.
“You’ve got to remember these are young referees, still learning the game like the players,” Hackett continued. “In this case, the official didn’t have the best angle and opted to play it safe. But unfortunately, that meant punishing a player unfairly.”
Gnonto, visibly devastated after being shown the red card, had to be consoled by teammates as he left the pitch. The 21-year-old has developed a reputation as a fiery competitor, having picked up five yellow cards in the Championship last season, following four the year before. But Hackett argued this decision was more about perception than actual foul play.
“This wasn’t about a hot-headed player losing control—it was a misjudged call by a developing referee,” he concluded.
With Italy now eliminated from the tournament and Gnonto left to reflect on what might have been, the spotlight is once again on officiating at youth international competitions—and whether enough support is in place for referees as they learn under pressure.
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