Hoffenheim v Tottenham controversy: Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to footage
Keith Hackett has praised the officials for their decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Hoffenheim during the clash with Tottenham.
The referee pointed to the spot for a perceived Brandon Austin challenge on Andrej Kramaric during Thursday’s (23 January) Europa League contest, which Spurs went on to win 3-2.
However, after a lengthy check by VAR, Danish official Morten Krogh was asked to look at the pitchside monitor and he reversed his initial decision.
Reacting to the footage shared by Football on TNT Sports on X [23 January], former PGMOL chief Hackett exclusively told Tottenham News: “This is a good example of VAR being operated correctly.
“The referee points to the penalty spot in the belief that Spurs goalkeeper has fouled his opponent.
“An alert and efficient VAR rightly sends the referee to the monitor and he reverses his decision to award a penalty kick and the yellow card is rescinded.”
Tottenham pick up much-needed victory against Hoffenheim
Postecoglou has been under intense pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and this win was very much welcomed.
Son Heung-min’s double, plus a goal for James Maddison early on, proved enough as Tottenham edged the match 3-2 in Germany.
It means Spurs remain on course for silverware in the Europa League, giving supporters reason to be cheerful in what has been a tough season overall.
As for the incident in question, the referee was spot on to reverse the penalty decision and rescind the yellow card issued to Austin.
In other Tottenham news, Pedro Porro ‘has no excuse’ after what he did against Hoffenheim.
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