Critique of Referee Danny Makkelie Ahead of World Cup Selection

omidbasir- Willem van Hanegem has raised concerns regarding whether FIFA should consider sending Danny Makkelie to the upcoming World Cup. The former footballer observed two major mistakes made by the Dutch referee during the relegation match between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.

In his column for Algemeen Dagblad, Van Hanegem promptly questions Makkelie’s credentials for the World Cup this summer. He notes, “As far as I know, Pierluigi Collina is still in charge of referees at FIFA, and he intends to send Danny Makkelie to the World Cup. Makkelie can only hope that Collina doesn’t review the highlights of the Heracles-NAC match this week.”

Van Hanegem also criticized Makkelie’s decision to award a penalty to NAC, describing it as absurd. He pointed out the inconsistency in the referee’s judgment when a ball inadvertently struck a player’s arm. “Makkelie seemed startled that the player was in the penalty area and, as a result, awarded the penalty, while the VAR suddenly appeared alert. Imagine fighting against relegation with a modest team and facing such unfair treatment.”