Tottenham Hotspur fans might feel a sense of unease following the Premier League’s announcement of the match officials for their upcoming game. The selection of Craig Pawson as the referee, along with Stuart Attwell on VAR duty, has stirred up memories of past controversial decisions. These prior incidents have left some supporters questioning the impartiality and competence of the officials involved.
As Tottenham prepares to face Everton, the spotlight will be not only on the players but also on the men in charge of enforcing the rules.
Tottenham Hotspur fans recall previous Craig Pawson controversies
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Spurs are set to face Everton on Sunday, hoping to bounce back after a recent defeat against Aston Villa in the Premier League. That loss was followed by a lackluster 0-0 draw against Monaco in the Champions League. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was forced to make eight saves against Monaco, highlighting Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities on the night.
The appointment of Craig Pawson as referee for Sunday’s game has sparked concern among Tottenham fans. Some supporters remember Pawson officiating the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea last season. In that match, a controversial VAR review regarding a potential goal for Pape Sarr took an excessive six minutes, causing frustration within the Tottenham camp.
The lengthy VAR delay in the Chelsea game drew criticism from then manager Ange Postecoglou. Graham Roberts also expressed his displeasure on social media, calling for the PGMOL to suspend both Craig Pawson and the VAR referee. Postecoglou sarcastically suggested that referees might become obsolete, replaced by AI, due to the increasing reliance on VAR for decision-making.
Postecoglou questioned the extensive time taken for VAR reviews, emphasizing that VAR should only intervene for clear and obvious errors. He highlighted the six-minute delay in the Chelsea game as an example of the system’s inefficiency. His comments reflected a broader concern about the impact of VAR on the flow and enjoyment of the game.
Stuart Attwell on VAR duty also causes concern for Spurs
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Stuart Attwell will support Pawson on VAR duty for the Everton clash. However, Attwell himself has been involved in contentious incidents involving Tottenham. Back in February 2023, Attwell initially issued a straight red card to Hakim Ziyech after a scuffle with Emerson Royal during a game. He then reversed his decision after reviewing the incident himself.
The handling of the Ziyech incident raised questions about the correct procedure for VAR reviews. Attwell’s initial decision to show a red card before personally reviewing the footage was deemed procedurally incorrect. This sequence of events has further fueled the apprehension among Tottenham fans regarding the impartiality and competence of the appointed officials for their upcoming match against Everton.
Tottenham fans understandably have reservations about the selected officials for Sunday’s game. The past controversies involving both Pawson and Attwell have created a sense of unease. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the players and the football itself.
However, the spotlight will inevitably be on the officials and their decision-making throughout the match.