AliousFormer PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has backed the decision not to involve VAR in the controversial moment involving Lucas Bergvall and Jan Paul van Hecke. Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett stated that Bergvall’s challenge was fair and did not warrant a foul.
Brighton supporters were convinced a free-kick should have been awarded in the buildup to Spurs’ goal, which saw Tottenham’s No.7 curl in an impressive long-range strike before celebrating with the crowd on Saturday, 18 April. Despite the protests, there was no VAR intervention, and the goal stood.
Tottenham ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw after Jan Paul van Hecke capitalised on an error from Kevin Danso, allowing Georginio Rutter to score a late equaliser.
Hackett praised the officials’ decision, insisting the challenge was clean and that the referee was right to let play continue. He also welcomed VAR’s decision not to step in, describing the goal as valid.
Spurs looked on course to claim a crucial win, but Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side snatched a point deep into stoppage time through Rutter.
Despite pundits trying to highlight the positives of earning a point near the bottom of the table, the result did little to ease concerns. Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain just one point above the relegation zone, with attention now turning to West Ham United’s clash against Crystal Palace on Monday, 20 April.
Reaction on social media has been largely negative, with many Tottenham fans venting frustration and accusing the players of lacking composure after letting victory slip so late. The team will now need a strong response when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 25 April.
Alious
