(Credit: Sky Sports/Imago)
(Credit: Sky Sports/Imago)

‘PGMOL need to take action’ - Ex-FIFA referee slams Cristian Romero's disallowed goal

Jack Heath

Jack graduated with a BA in Spanish from the University of Leeds in 2023 before obtaining his NCTJ from the News Associates, Twickenham in 2025. He previously worked as a sports reporter at Daily Mail Online, principally writing about football. Jack is also a life-long supporter of Tottenham. He joined Breaking Media in July 2025 as a football writer for Football Insider.

Published on

Cristian Romero and Tottenham were infuriated by a disallowed goal early in the first half of their 3-0 win over West Ham United after the referee adjudged Micky van de Ven to foul Mateus Fernandes.

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his stance on the Lilywhites dubiously disallowed goal against West Ham.

New signing Xavi Simons made his full debut for Tottenham after joining from German side RB Leipzig against the Hammers.

The Dutchman looked to make an impact in his first game for Spurs as Thomas Frank's side looked to get back to winning ways after Tottenham lost 1-0 to Bournemouth where fans booed before the international break.

Keith Hackett bemused by fact similar incidents 'go unpunished' as Tottenham denied clear goal.

In the 18th minute of the London derby, the Tottenham had a corner taken by former Iron Mohammed Kudus.

World Cup champion Romero nodded in the superb delivery into the empty net as the referee blew the whistle for an alleged foul.

It was hard to clarify but Kyle Walker-Peters tumbled to the ground as Van de Ven and Fernandes were both seen supposedly grappling in the box.

The Argentinian and the Spurs players were incensed the goal was not given, nor was overturned by VAR.

Cristian Romero disallowed opener not enough as referee makes shocking decision

VAR's failure to intervene did not overturn the original decision which seemed to be a perplexing one for Hackett who did not understand the call.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider the former referee said: "Given the amount of grappling that we witness at set pieces, we have seen incidents similar go unpunished."

Cristian Romero roars in celebration playing for Tottenham
Romero was right to feel begrudged by the strange decision (Credit: Imago)

"The inconsistency around these incidents has been going on for several seasons. The fact that a good goal was ruled out emphasised this inconsistency.

"I would have expected this goal to stand and not to be ruled out. PGMOL need to take action to achieve a greater degree of consistency."

www.footballinsider247.com