Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref reacts after Tottenham ace Udogie survives vs Bodo/Glimt
Keith Hackett has reacted to appeals for a penalty against Tottenham left-back Destiny Udogie during his side’s Europa League semi final clash with Bodo/Glimt.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the decision not to award a penalty against the Spurs man was the correct one.
Spurs are looking to salvage their season by lifting the Europa League trophy, to end their long wait for silverware.
It would of course also secure qualification to the Champions League for next season, and Tottenham made the perfect start as they looked to do that.
Tottenham dominate Bodo/Glimt first leg
Spurs needed less than 40 seconds to take the lead in the first leg of this last four tie on Thursday (1 May), as Brennan Johnson headed in from close range for Ange Postecoglou‘s side.
That goal was allowed to stand despite questions of a push by Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma on Ole Blomberg in the build-up to that goal.
Postecoglou’s side would then have to overcome another VAR check, this time at the other end of the pitch, shortly before the half-hour mark.
| Tottenham last five games | Result |
| Wolves (A) | Lost 4-2 |
| Frankfurt (A) | Won 1-0 |
| Nottingham Forest (H) | Lost 2-1 |
| Liverpool (A) | Lost 5-1 |
| Bodo/Glimt (H0 | Won 3-1 |
As Bodo/Glimt attacker Isak Maatta looked to pounce on a loose ball inside the Spurs area, he would go to ground after being caught by a trailing leg from Udogie.
That was then checked by VAR for a potential penalty against Tottenham, but in the end no spot kick was awarded.
Now, Hackett has confirmed that he believes that it was indeed the right decision not to penalise Udogie for his challenge on Maata.
‘Destiny Udogie right to escape’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider if Tottenham could have conceded a penalty for that challenge by Udogie on Maatta, the former referee simply said:
“Good decision. No penalty kick award the correct decision.”
Goals from James Maddison and Dominic Solanke – the latter from the penalty spot – extended the lead for Spurs before Ulrik Saltnes’ deflected strike pulled one back for the visitors.
Tottenham will therefore take a 3-1 lead into the second leg against Bodo/Glimt in Norway next Thursday (1 May).
Before that they are set to travel to the London Stadium to take on rival West Ham over the weekend.