Controversial Decisions in Tottenham's Match Against Liverpool
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven made a desperate attempt to block a shot from Liverpool's Alexander Isak during their recent match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite van de Ven's efforts, Isak managed to score, but he now faces a significant injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
The incident raises questions about whether it was an unavoidable collision between the striker and the defender or whether van de Ven should have received a red card. Typically, defenders are not penalized for challenges made after an attacker has taken a shot, even though such tackles would likely be punished if they occurred elsewhere on the pitch.
In a recent ruling by the Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel, a decision was made that Manchester City should have been awarded a penalty during their match against Newcastle last month. In that case, Fabian Schar kicked through the boot of Phil Foden after he had taken his shot, yet there was no VAR intervention.
While Isak's goal eliminates the possibility of a penalty being awarded, the question remains whether the VAR could have deemed van de Ven's challenge a red card for serious foul play. Opinions on this matter may be influenced by Isak's injury, but it is essential to consider that such injuries can occur without foul play, simply as unfortunate consequences of the game.
When Isak released his shot, van de Ven slid in to block. It was Isak's shooting foot that sustained the injury when it landed between van de Ven's legs. Had van de Ven tackled Isak directly or gone through his standing foot, the discussion would likely be different. However, van de Ven's challenge was a genuine attempt to make a defensive play and should not be viewed as a red card offense.
Nonetheless, it is possible for a defender to be sent off if they collide with an attacker while trying to stop a shot. A notable example is the double leg fracture suffered by Manchester United's Luke Shaw in a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in 2015, where Hector Moreno's challenge resulted in a serious injury. At that time, VAR was not in use, and Moreno did not receive a penalty or red card, but such tackles are now expected to be addressed more strictly.
In another instance during the match, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank expressed his frustration over several decisions that went against his team, particularly regarding the red card issued to Xavi Simons. Simons was sent off for catching Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk on the back of his calf while attempting to close him down. Although referee John Brooks initially issued a yellow card, VAR intervened, leading to the red card decision. Frank criticized the decision, stating, "the game is gone if that’s a red card," but many former players supported the ruling, emphasizing the danger of the tackle.
Referees' chief Howard Webb previously indicated that such challenges should prompt VAR reviews to protect player safety. This was highlighted after Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi escaped a red card for a similar tackle last season.
Conversely, Alejandro Garnacho's earlier foul on Jacob Ramsey did not result in a red card, as the referee deemed it a cautionary offense. The distinction lies in the nature of the tackle; Garnacho's challenge occurred while the ball was in play and lacked significant force, unlike Simons' challenge from behind.
Lastly, Frank's discontent extended to Liverpool's second goal, scored by Jeremie Frimpong's cross to Huge Ekitike. Frank argued that Ekitike had used two hands on Cristian Romero's back, constituting a foul. However, the KMI panel decided by a narrow vote that the goal should stand, noting there was insufficient force from Ekitike to warrant intervention from VAR.
In conclusion, the match was marred by controversial decisions, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding officiating in the Premier League.