Tottenham expert issues ‘red card’ claim after Sky Sports footage analysed
Paul Robinson has insisted complete consistency in the VAR system will “never happen” despite Tottenham boss Antonio Conte airing his “frustration”.
The former Spurs and England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested referees are not “robots” and will always interpret incidents differently.
Conte was left frustrated by Anthony Taylor’s decision to dismiss Emerson Royal after his challenge on Gabriel Martinelli during Tottenham’s 3-1 loss against Arsenal last weekend (1 October).
The Brazil international’s tackle was similar to one committed by Virgil van Dijk in last month’s Merseyside derby – a challenge which saw him booked.
Speaking post-match and quoted by Sky Sports, Conte suggested referees in England must “work a lot” to improve VAR – insisting every decision must be “top”.
He insisted the red card “killed the game”.
Royal is now banned for three games following his sending-off and will miss matches against Brighton, Everton, and Man United.
Robinson told Football Insider: “I completely understand what Conte is saying.
“It’s frustrating, but at the end of the day you are dealing with human beings – not robots. These referees have opinions.
“There is a law to abide by, but different referees can interpret those laws differently. One may think a challenge is a red card, another may not. One may give a handball, another may not.
“As much as we want consistency right across the board, we’re unfortunately not dealing with robots.
“You’re never ever going to get that complete consistency. It will never happen.”
Tottenham remain third in the Premier League, four points behind rivals and league leaders Arsenal.
Their loss against the Gunners was the first of their top-flight campaign.
In other news, expert backs Tottenham to sign Barcelona superstar after new twist.