Hackett demands action against Madueke for 'simulation' as Brooks endures torrid Brentford clash

Keith Hackett, the former FIFA official, has called for disciplinary measures to be taken against Arsenal's Noni Madueke following his theatrics during the Gunners' 1-1 stalemate with Brentford.

Madueke had given Arsenal the lead with a well-taken header in the 60th minute, converting Piero Hincapie's cross past Caoimhin Kelleher after a largely toothless opening from Mikel Arteta's outfit. Brentford, however, proved far more threatening throughout and levelled through Keane Lewis-Potter's header from a long throw, leaving them frustrated at walking away with just a point despite Igor Thiago squandering late chances.

The talking point, though, centred on referee John Brooks' management of proceedings—or rather, the lack thereof. His whistle rarely left his lips, and by evening's end he'd distributed five cautions to both sides. Madueke's tumble under challenge from Rico Henry in the box during the first half particularly riled observers, with the Arsenal winger convinced he'd been fouled only for Brooks to wave away his protests.

Hackett was unimpressed, branding Madueke's fall as "a clear act of simulation, attempting to deceive the referee." Whilst acknowledging that Brooks saw through the dive, the former official lamented the official's failure to brandish a yellow card for the offence.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett explained: "If referees are not going to apply a sanction for these incidents, we will continue to see growth. Where no sanction is applied, I would like an independent review panel to investigate and review these acts and issues retrospective action."

The evening's other contentious moment came in the 83rd minute when Arsenal defender Gabriel crunched into Dango Ouattara on the wing. With the Brazilian already in the referee's book, many believed a second yellow was warranted—a view echoed by Brentford boss Keith Andrews and pundit Martin Keown.

"I think it was a definite yellow," Andrews told TNT Sports. Keown concurred, adding that Brooks appeared inconsistent in his application of the laws, handing out cautions freely outside the box whilst seemingly permissive within it.