PGMOL told to ‘suspend Craig Pawson’ after Chelsea v Tottenham incidents
Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea was marred by several controversial incidents on Thursday evening.
The pressure continued to crank up on Ange Postecoglou after another disappointing result with Enzo Fernandez’s header the difference between the two sides.
However, the Australian has a right to be furious on this occasion after several contentious decisions cost his team.
Tottenham left reeling after Craig Pawson controversy
Postecoglou was livid after the contest after Pape Matar Sarr had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up that would have earned Spurs a point.
The Australian has been vocal about the continued controversy surrounding VAR and he had a point on this occasion as the check took around six minutes to complete.
Former Spurs star Graham Roberts believed that Pawson should be punished for their involvement in the incident given how long it took them to make the decision.
In a post on his personal X account (4 April), he said: “The PGMOL should suspend the referee Craig Paulson and whoever the referee was in VAR they are ruining the game I think both disallowed goals should have been given.”
And VAR ref was even worse it took so long that everybody in the stadium was shouting it was embarrassing the PGML should suspend the referee Craig Paulson and whoever the referee was in VAR they are ruining the game I think both disallowed goals should have been given
— Graham Roberts (@GrahamRoberts4) April 4, 2025
Postecoglou cannot use VAR as an excuse
While the controversy is justified, the check should not have took that long and arguably the goal should have been given, Postecoglou cannot use it as an excuse.
Once again, his side were well beaten and deserved to lose as they did show enough fight in the Stamford Bridge contest.
| Stats | Chelsea | Tottenham |
| Possession | 50% | 50% |
| Shots | 11 | 8 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 2 |
| Big chances | 4 | 2 |
It was a familiar story for Spurs supporters, with their London rivals creating more chances and looking more threatening throughout the game.
The Lilywhites need to up their performance levels for the Europa League quarter-final clashes with Eintracht Frankfurt later this month, otherwise their only chances of silverware will be dashed and Postecoglou will likely find himself unemployed before the season concludes.
The Australian is clinging on to his role in the dugout and failure to end the 17-year trophy drought with European success will surely end his reign after a dismal domestic campaign, which has seen Spurs sit in 14th place in the top-flight.
Daniel Levy may decide to pull the trigger even if they win that trophy as Postecoglou’s relationship with the fans is at rock bottom, he could restore some pride with success but it may be too late to salvage his job.