Home / Football / Premier League News Tottenham write to PGMOL to complain over refereeing standards The North London club are not happy about some of the decisions against them this season Written by Mitch Fretton Last Update: March 3, 2026 06:12:55 pm GMT 2 min read Tottenham have written to Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Howard Webb to express concerns over what they believe are inconsistent refereeing decisions in the penalty area. During their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on 22 February, Randal Kolo Muani had a goal ruled out that would have made it 2-2 after officials determined he had pushed Gabriel before finishing past David Raya. Referee Peter Bankes later explained the decision on the Match Officials Micd Up programme.Once you see two hands in live play, it looks like a push, a clear push, Bankes said.He added: I delayed the whistle so that the play could continue, then obviously gave my final decision once the ball had gone into the goal and that allows the VAR then to potentially check if Ive misread something or if it doesnt quite look right.But on-field it looked a very, very clear offence. Obviously, different speeds can make things look different. In slow motion, it can look different to what you see live. I get one look at it, and I was more than happy that the two hands on the back had enough impact and was an offence.I understand theres going to be split opinions on it, but for me Im still comfortable that that is enough for a free-kick.Tottenham were left frustrated days later when Fulham winger Harry Wilsons goal in a 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage was allowed to stand. In the build-up, Raul Jimenez appeared to push Spurs defender Radu Dragusin while challenging for an aerial ball, but officials deemed the contact did not meet the threshold for a foul. On both occasions, VAR did not intervene and the on-field decisions stood.Speaking after the Fulham loss, interim head coach Igor Tudor was unequivocal. Of course, its a foul. Its always a foul. Its an incredible mistake, he said.It is understood Spurs have included further examples in their letter, including Newcastle striker Nick Woltemades goal against Arsenal earlier this season, which they believe highlights differing interpretations of similar contact.Since taking charge of the refereeing body in 2022, Webb has promoted greater transparency around decision-making and encouraged direct dialogue with Premier League clubs. Topics: Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Follow us: Mitch Fretton Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football. Read more from Mitch Fretton
