‘Unacceptable’ Mathys Tel incident shocks ex-Premier League official after Tottenham win vs Doncaster
Thomas Frank gave Mathys Tel a rare start in the Carabao Cup as Tottenham took on Doncaster Rovers on home soil.
As expected, it was a straightforward Wednesday evening for the Lilywhites, with Joao Palhinha and Brennan Johnson on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win.
Several fringe players started the encounter, but Tel was unable to grasp his Tottenham chance, spurning several promising opportunities.
Not only did the Tel have a night to forget, but he was also involved in a flashpoint that has come under the microscope.
This article contains the exclusive opinion of former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Andy Madley should have given a yellow card for foul on Mathys Tel
Tottenham progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and will face a stern test away to Newcastle United in the next round.
Having been omitted from Frank’s Champions League squad, Tel is set to be limited to domestic cup appearances as well as the odd Premier League start.
The Frenchman attempted to make inroads past the Doncaster backline, but Glenn Middleton’s sliding tackle brought him down near the touchline.
- Tel failed to deliver a goal or assist
- He managed one shot on target
- Was substituted for Luca Williams-Barnett in the 87th minute
Referee Madley awarded a foul against Donny’s winger, but decided against brandishing a yellow card.
When analysing the incident, Hackett – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes it was a clear bookable offence.
“There is lenient, then there is lenient,” Hackett said.
“Andy Madley not sanctioning this challenge is disappointing. It does not matter if he believes he is comfortably in control.
“Overlooking a challenge of this nature is unacceptable. he should do his job and apply the demands of the law. This is a clear yellow card offence.“
- Read more: Andy Madley ‘guessed’ controversial decision in Tottenham win vs Doncaster – Keith Hackett
Will Thomas Frank continue to give Mathys Tel chances at Tottenham?
Some Spurs supporters are frustrated by Tel’s performances and are questioning why the North London club decided to sign him.
So far, Frank has opted to play the 20-year-old against weaker opposition, making starts against West Ham and Doncaster.
However, Tel has not done anything of note in either game, meaning that his head coach has a decision to make.
While there will be more favourable games to come, continuing to play the Frenchman is a risk, especially if Spurs don’t deliver results.
Furthermore, with Randal Kolo Muani to come back from injury, chances are surely going to become more sparse.
Indeed, if Tel’s opportunities diminish before the winter window, then that will trigger speculation of a possible January loan move, and rightly so.
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