Robinson cites Jamie Vardy as Tottenham controversy analysed
Paul Robinson has applauded referee Anthony Taylor for not penalising Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur prior to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goals.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one backed officials decision to be “a lot more lenient this season.”
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was left fuming with the officials decision not to penalise Bentancur, 25, for his challenge on Kai Havertz, 23, in the build up to Tottenham’s first goal on Sunday (14 August).
The second-half incident was one of many controversial calls at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel and Antonio Conte were sent off at full-time as tempers flared.
Robinson believes the game is indicative of a shift in Premier League officiating and pointed to Jamie Vardy’s overturned penalty at the Emirates as another example.
“I thought it was a good tackle from Bentancur,” he told Football Insider.
“We are seeing the referees be a lot more lenient this season.
“I thought Anthony Taylor managed a difficult game very well. There was an old-schooled nature to it. There was a lot of tough tackles which we are seeing more this season.
“The referees are clamping down on soft free-kicks and soft penalties. They are not being given.
“Vardy’s penalty was overturned at Arsenal. There was contact from [Aaron] Ramsdale but it was not enough. The softer decisions are not being given this year and I like it.
“You can slow the Bentancur one down on VAR and make it look how you want. I think Taylor made the right decision on the pitch. Bentancur got Havertz after the ball. I think it was a good tackle.”
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