Ex-Premier League official swipes at referees as ‘incredible’ Kane footage emerges from Tottenham
Keith Hackett has hit out at the inconsistent approach to holding in the penalty area after Harry Kane’s controversial disallowed goal as Tottenham lost 2-0 to Chelsea on Sunday (23 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted it was “such a tight call” and he backed Paul Tierney’s judgement call.
With the scores level just before half-time, Ryan Sessegnon pulled the ball back to Kane who finished past Kepa Arizibilaga but he was adjudged to have pushed Thiago Silva to the ground in the process.
As quoted by football.london after the game, Antonio Conte admitted he found it “incredible” the goal was disallowed.
“It was such a tight call,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Normally when you’re coaching referees on a push you’re looking for a bent arm straightening but this was more marginal.
“It was almost Harry Kane holding his arm to prevent contact but because he has made contact with the player then they are right to disallow the goal. You have to support the referee on that decision.
“It’s a marginal call and a judgement has been made. It’s tight, really tight.
“What brings doubt into all these scenarios is the inconsistent approach across referees in regards to holding and the illegal use of the hand and arm in the penalty area.
“Here’s one they penalise for the lightest of touch yet in the Man United game you’ve got Zouma wrapping his left arm under Ronaldo, who goes to ground but nothing is given.”
In other news, an ex-Tottenham star has revealed what ‘honest’ Antonio Conte told him about his squad post-Chelsea.