Ex-Premier League referee issues emphatic Harry Kane claim as controversial Tottenham footage emerges
Keith Hackett has praised Stuart Attwell for playing a crucial advantage before Harry Kane scored for Tottenham in their 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday (3 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Attwell has been at the top of his game this season.
Ryan Sessegnon fired in a shot from just inside the penalty area that appeared to strike the hand of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo who had his arms out.
Attwell was well positioned but he allowed play to continue as the ball fell back to Sessegnon just outside the six-yard area.
The former Fulham defender fired in a low cross that was turned in by Kane for his fifth Premier League goal of the season.
VAR operator Andre Marriner then checked whether the England captain was offside but he adjudged the goal was fine.
It secured three points for Tottenham who continued their fine start to the season under Antonio Conte.
Asked for his verdict on the handball decision, Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think that was a very good piece of refereeing by Stuart Attwell.
“I think he’s a referee who is doing really well this season and doesn’t get much wrong. This was a huge one that he was correct on, once again.”
Tottenham are now up to third in the Premier League table, just one point off leaders Arsenal whose perfect start to the season ended with a 3-1 loss to Man United on Sunday (4 September).
Conte’s side are next in action on Wednesday (7 September) when they welcome Marseille in the Champions League.
In other news, Antonio Conte “has a real problem” at Tottenham after a Son Heung-min reveal.