Reece James was brought down inside the box during Chelsea's win over Aston Villa, but he wasn't awarded a penalty(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Keith Hackett believes Jarred Gillett was right not to award Chelsea a penalty during the first half of Wednesday night's clash at Villa Park. Shortly after Douglas Luiz had put Aston Villa in front, Reece James was brought down by Ian Maatsen inside the box.

Despite contact, the referee waved away appeals for a spot-kick. The Video Assistant Referee, James Bell, and his assistant, Adrian Holmes, confirmed the on-field decision and did not recommend Gillett to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former FIFA referee and ex-PGMOL chief accused the Blues captain of diving. Hackett said: "I support the referee’s call of no penalty kick.

"The forward, in my opinion, has manufactured the contact and was looking to deceive the referee. Having said no penalty kick, I was surprised that referee Jarred Gillett failed to yellow-card the Chelsea player."

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