By Martin Graham
Tottenham have written to the head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, Howard Webb, to express their dismay at a number of refereeing calls this season.
According to sources, the club’s message focuses on what it considers unequal judgments of physical contact inside the penalty area that have resulted in goals or being ruled out.
Spurs feel they have been repeatedly disadvantaged by these decisions during the current campaign.
A flash point came in the 4-1 home defeat arsenal on February 22. Randal Cole Muani thought he had leveled at 2-2, only for his effort to be ruled out after the officials ruled he had pushed Gabriel Magalhaes at the back shortly before finishing past David Raya.
Referee Peter Bankes, who oversaw the north London derby, later spoke about the incident on Match Officials Mic’d Up. He explained that seeing two hands to an opponent during live action can give the impression of an obvious push.
The Fulham incident adds to the frustration
Tottenham’s worries were heightened during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.
Fulham’s first 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 as the challenge was deemed not to reach the crossbar required for a foul.
In both Kolo Muani’s and Dragusin’s situations, the video assistant referee did not intervene, leaving the on-field decisions unchanged.
Explaining his original call at the Emirates Stadium, Bankes said he delayed the whistle to allow play to conclude before confirming the infringement once the ball had crossed the line. This approach allowed the VAR to review the timing if necessary.
He added that, from his perspective, the contact he witnessed in real time was a clear offense. Bankes acknowledged that slow-motion replays can alter perception, but remained confident the push warranted the award of a free kick.
The club cites other examples
After the defeat at Fulham, interim manager Igor Tudor described Jimenez’s challenge as “always a foul” and called the decision an “unbelievable mistake”.
Tottenham’s letter to Webb is also understood to refer to additional episodes this season where comparable contact has led to contrasting results.
Among them is Nick Woltemade’s goal for Newcastle against Arsenal in September, which stood despite what Spurs consider a Gabriel-like push in the build-up.
Since taking over as PGMOL Director of Arbitration in 2022, Webb has sought to increase openness in decision-making processes while encouraging direct and constructive dialogue with clubs.
