Alious Joao Pedro Could Face Increased Scrutiny from Referees Amid Diving Allegations
Brighton forward Joao Pedro may soon find himself under closer watch from referees following repeated incidents that have sparked accusations of diving, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett.
Hackett, speaking exclusively to *Football Insider*, explained that referees tend to monitor players more closely if they develop a reputation for a specific offense. While Pedro has been enjoying an impressive season at the AMEX Stadium, with strong performances fueling speculation that Brighton could command a significant transfer fee for him, certain aspects of his game have caused controversy.
### Diving Allegations Surrounding Pedro
One such moment occurred on 8 March, when Pedro won a last-minute penalty against Fulham. The decision was contentious, but the Brazilian stepped up to convert the spot-kick, securing a 2-1 victory for his side.
A week later, during Brighton’s visit to the Etihad Stadium, Pedro was again at the center of controversy. In a challenge involving Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, Pedro went down clutching his throat, implying that he had been struck there. However, video replays revealed that contact had actually been made with his chest.
Despite already being on a yellow card at the time, Pedro escaped a second booking and remained on the pitch. However, these repeated incidents could contribute to him gaining a reputation for simulation, leading referees to be more vigilant when officiating his matches.
Hackett: Referees Will Take Notice
Hackett believes that if a player is repeatedly involved in questionable incidents, officials will naturally begin to take note and prepare accordingly.
> “Yes, they’re human beings, and they prepare for games. So as a consequence, they build up a picture, either as a group of referees or individually,” he told *Football Insider*.
Drawing comparisons to past players, Hackett explained how officials would actively monitor individuals known for aggressive play or simulation.
> *“When officiating someone like Vinnie Jones, we’d keep an eye on him, maybe have a word with him beforehand to try and prevent any outbursts. And then, when reviewing match footage, it turned out that it was actually Lawrie Sanchez doing most of the fouling!”*
He also mentioned that referees historically adapted to players known for diving, such as Franny Lee, who had a reputation for exaggerating contact.
> *“We knew Franny Lee was a bit of a diver, for Man City and for Derby. So when he went down, we’d think, ‘Seven out of ten for that one—not convincing enough.’ These reputations build over time.”*
### What’s Next for Pedro and Brighton?
Pedro’s performances in the 2024/25 season have been strong, with the forward registering eight goals and seven assists in 25 appearances, along with four yellow cards. However, if referees start closely scrutinizing his actions on the pitch, it could influence how penalties and fouls involving him are assessed moving forward.
Brighton will return to action after the international break on 29 March, when they host Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup quarter-finals. With high stakes in both domestic and cup competitions, Pedro will need to ensure that his performances remain the focal point rather than ongoing debates about potential simulation.
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