Hackett shares ‘massive’ verdict on Wolves controversy v Tottenham
Wolves did not deserve a penalty in their 1-0 loss to Tottenham, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee heaped praise on Stuart Atwell for his “brilliant positioning” for the incident.
Wolves appealed for a penalty when Nelson Semedo went down under Oliver Skipp’s challenge in the 13th minute.
Atwell clearly waved away the calls for a spot-kick before VAR confirmed his decision.
The game was instead decided by a Dele Alli penalty in the 10th minute after he was fouled by Jose Sa.
Wolves are yet to score in the Premier League under Bruno Lage despite having 42 attempts at goal in their opening two games.
They have been beaten 1-0 by both Spurs and Leicester City and now face Manchester United at Molineux next weekend.
“Wolves wanted a penalty check,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Atwell gave a massive ‘No, it’s not’ from a brilliant position. The VAR check confirmed that it was a good decision.
“Atwell’s fitness is impressive. His proximity to play and reading of the game, for a youngish referee, he’s matured brilliantly.
“In his early career, when I brought him on, he took some time and I think he’s becoming a quality referee who Mike Riley can call upon. You can see his confidence.”
As quoted by Birmingham Live, Lage insisted after the game that he had full faith his Wolves side will begin to find the net.
Before they host Man United, Lage’s side face their Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup this week.
In other news, Wolves are lining up a £7million centre-forward bid – he starred at Euro 2020.