By Martin Graham
Tottenham have written to Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Howard Webb to express their unease about several refereeing calls this season.
According to sources, the club’s message centres on what it considers uneven judgments involving physical contact inside the penalty area that have resulted in goals either being given or ruled out.
Spurs feel they have repeatedly been disadvantaged by such decisions during the current campaign.
One flashpoint came in the 4-1 home defeat to Arsenal on 22 February. Randal Kolo Muani thought he had brought the score to 2-2, only for his effort to be chalked off after officials decided he had pushed Gabriel Magalhaes in the back shortly before finishing past David Raya.
Referee Peter Bankes, who oversaw that north London derby, later discussed the incident on the Match Officials Mic’d Up programme. He explained that seeing two hands on an opponent during live action can give the impression of an obvious shove.
Fulham incident deepens frustration
Tottenham’s concerns were heightened during Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage.
Fulham’s opening goal, scored by Harry Wilson, followed an aerial challenge between Raul Jimenez and Spurs defender Radu Dragusin. Jimenez appeared to make contact from behind, but the strike was allowed because the challenge was judged not to reach the bar required for a foul.
In both the Kolo Muani and Dragusin situations, the video assistant referee did not intervene, leaving the on-field decisions unchanged.
Explaining his original call at Emirates Stadium, Bankes said he delayed blowing his whistle to allow play to conclude before confirming the infringement once the ball had crossed the line. That approach enabled VAR to review the moment if necessary.
He added that, from his perspective, the contact he witnessed in real time amounted to a clear offence. Bankes acknowledged that slow-motion replays can alter perception, yet maintained he remained confident the push justified awarding a free kick.
Club cites further examples
Following the defeat at Fulham, interim head coach Igor Tudor described the Jimenez challenge as “always a foul” and labelled the decision an “incredible mistake”.
It is understood Tottenham’s letter to Webb also references additional episodes this season where comparable contact has led to contrasting outcomes.
Among them is Nick Woltemade’s goal for Newcastle against Arsenal in September, which stood despite what Spurs regard as a similar push on Gabriel in the build-up.
Since taking over as PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer in 2022, Webb has aimed to increase openness around decision-making processes while also encouraging direct and constructive dialogue with clubs.
