PGMOL answers demanded after ‘disgraceful’ Tottenham vs Arsenal scenes
Tottenham and Arsenal faced multiple delays due to communication errors between match officials on Sunday.
The Lilywhites fell to a 4-1 defeat against Mikel Arteta’s side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as goals from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres made the difference.
That resulted in understandable frustration aimed towards Igor Tudor, but that wasn’t the only annoyance on show in North London.
The first half was delayed with just minutes on the clock before kick-off, and the second half dealt with similar issues.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has been left fuming by the delays and questions what has happened to the communication situation he put in place for the Premier League.
Keith Hackett rages at Tottenham vs Arsenal delays
There are plenty of issues with VAR in the current football space, with fans constantly left fuming by decisions each and every week.
That didn’t happen in the North London derby, as for the most part, controversy was kept to a minimum.
Other than Randal Kolo Muani’s ruled-out strike, there was very little contention, and the result played out as many expected.
Even with that being the case, the match officials have still come under scrutiny for multiple delays caused by the linesman’s communication.
Hackett introduced the devices when he was in charge of the PGMOL and believes, if utilised properly, the system should be foolproof, so he is hugely frustrated by the failings in N17.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, ex-Premier League referee Hackett said: “It is frankly unacceptable that the communication kit failed and held up the game.
“When the kit is used after a game, it has to be cleaned, dried and stored. Before the next game, the system should have new batteries installed.
“One hour and 15 minutes before kick off, the officials go onto the pitch wearing their communication kits, and a check with all four officials and Stockley Park is carried out.
“The system should be fail-proof, and PGMOL should give adequate reasons for this system failing.
“Frankly, it is a disgrace that we have another failure this season.
“I introduced the communication kits to the game. Maintenance after each game and a check on battery life, and that the system is 100 per cent, is carried out before every game kicks off.
“The PGMOL need to be transparent and tell us why a long-standing system is suddenly failing.
“It is ridiculous that this has happened twice in the game.“
PGMOL hypocrisy on show to Igor Tudor
Both Tudor and Arteta cut very animated figures on the sidelines as they consistently barked orders to their players throughout the derby clash.
They were also joint in their annoyance towards the match officials during the delays while communication devices were fixed.
Despite this, it appeared to be Tudor who faced more complaints from the fourth official, Sam Barrott, as Alasdair Gold spotted the Croatian being told off frequently.
The same wasn’t said about Arteta, which raises questions as to why the Spaniard was seemingly given preferential treatment.
It wasn’t the greatest day for the match officials and PGMOL, who are expectantly going to come under plenty of scrutiny in and away from North London.
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