Ex-FIFA referee condemns controversial incident as Tottenham succumb to Nottingham Forest loss

Inconsistency will always be Tottenham’s biggest enemy

Spurs were simply not good enough against their high-flying opponents, both in defence and attack. With four defeats in six matches, the Lilywhites now sit in 11th place, the bottom half of the Premier League.

This form is unacceptable and could cost Postecoglou his job if the poor results continue. Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Keith Hackett pointed and criticised the wrestling inside the penalty area during a Forest corner kick was appalling.

Referee Pawson addressed the players prior to the kick, but further tugging and holding occurred before it was taken, resulting in two players falling to the ground. Referees only need to indicate the corner, let the kick be taken, and penalize any holding violations with a free kick or penalty.

In his words, the former Referee explained,

“Referee Pawson talks to the players before signalling for the corner kick to be taken. Before the kick is taken, there is yet another clash of holding and pulling with two players finishing up on the ground.

“Referees should just signal a corner, signal for the kick to be taken and then penalise any holding offences with a penalty kick or free-kick.”

Keith speaks up on controversial Forster decision

And ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes that it was a correct judgement by the refs given the lack of evidence. Speaking to Football Insider, he said:

“The situation here is that the goalkeeper stepping out of the area in itself is not an offence. The judgement is what holding the ball in his hands.

“Could the referee and VAR determine if the whole of the ball in the goalkeeper’s hand is outside the penalty area? If any part of the ball is viewed as having been in the line, no offence has been committed.

“So the video does not give confirmation that the goalkeeper has carried the whole of the ball out of the penalty area.

“There is no evidence to give that clarity. Referees should not guess. Therefore, I support the referee’s decision.”