Tottenham write to PGMOL over refereeing decisions

Tottenham have written to Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb to raise their concerns over key refereeing decisions.

Sources have told BBC Sport the correspondence is primarily focused on what the club views as inconsistent decisions that have led to goals being allowed or disallowed as a result of contact inside the penalty area.

Spurs believe they have been on the wrong end of a number of these key incidents this season.

During Tottenham’s 4-1 home loss to north London rivals Arsenal on 22 February, striker Randal Kolo Muani had a goal – which would have levelled the score at 2-2 – ruled out after the officials adjudged the France international had pushed opposing defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the back just moments before slotting beyond David Raya.

It has been noted by Spurs that referee Peter Bankes, who officiated in the derby against Arsenal, said in last week’s episode of the Match Officials Mic’d Up show how, “once you see two hands in live play, it looks like a push, a clear push. I was more than happy that the two hands on the back had enough impact and was an offence”.

With that in mind, Tottenham were left confused why Fulham winger Harry Wilson’s opener against them in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage was allowed to stand.

Speaking after the game, interim head coach Igor Tudor said: “Of course, it’s a foul. It’s always a foul. It’s an incredible mistake.”

It is understood Spurs, in the letter, have provided further examples of where similar situations have occurred this season with differing outcomes.

Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade’s goal against Arsenal in September, despite a perceived push on Brazilian centre-back Gabriel in the build-up, is understood to have been included as an example of where contact in the box has been interpreted differently.

Since becoming the PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer in 2022, Webb has sought greater transparency related to the communication of decisions, but also strived for constructive direct engagement with clubs.