Tottenham Hotspur continued their splendid run in the Europa League with a 3-2 win against Hoffenheim yesterday, and while Ange Postecoglou’s side secured a much-needed win, the game had moments that left Hoffenheim supporters as well as players angry.
The Lilywhites escaped a near penalty scare just before skipper Son Heung-min netted the North Londoners second goal for the night when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to have handled the ball during the build-up, which soon sparked protests from the Bundesliga side. And VAR also reviewed the incident, and they opted against recommending an on-field review for the referee, leaving Hoffenheim fans absolutely furious.
Hackett has his say on penalty decision vs Hoffenheim
And former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett insists that the decision to let the goal stand was an error by VAR. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, he said:
“Hoffenheim have a case, I believe the Spurs player used his left hand/arm to propel the ball forward. I really do think that the VAR should have requested the referee to go to the monitor to review. The referee needed to have a second look at this incident and had he done that he would in my opinion have ruled the goal out.”
Much needed for Ange
For Ange Postecoglou, this win couldn’t have come at a better time given how his side has just one win in the last 10 Premier League fixtures and how his job at White Hart Lane is widely under scrutiny. And these wins in cup competitions, be it a Carabao Cup semi-final lead over Liverpool or a strong Europa League campaign, will give him so much respite and some breathing room.
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While Hoffenheim had a strong case for a penalty there, the decision, or a lack of it, ultimately went in Tottenham’s favour, and now the North Londoners will have to build on it starting from their Premier League fixture at home this weekend.
