(Credit: Imago/Bein Sports)

Jack Heath

Sat 16 August 2025 20:40, UK

Tottenham avoided a potential spanner in the works after Jaidon Anthony was not awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

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Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his verdict on a penalty that could’ve got Burnley back in the game as they were trailing 1-0 at the time.

Richard Keys thought Burnley were hard done by despite being ridiculed by Andy Gray, but VAR checked and quickly cleared the incident.

The Lilywhites put in a largely excellent performance against the Clarets as they got three points on the board straight away in the league opener.

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Goals from Brennan Johnson and an acrobatic double from Richarlison saw Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side win 3-0 ahead of a huge game against Man City at the Etihad next week.

Moreover, Mohammed Kudus is proving to be a shrewd signing from West Ham after teeing up the Brazilian on both occasions.

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This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

After the Brazilian striker gave the north London club the lead in the 10th minute, the Clarets eased into the game as they began to get more on the ball as the first half progressed.

Photo Credit: Imago

On the 44th minute former Bournemouth winger Anthony was put through on goal as he entered the 18-yard box, the ball avoiding the whole of the Spurs defence.

Yet, as the ball was about to arrive at his feet, the Englishman appeared to be barged over by the arriving Pedro Porro who threw his hands in the air to show his innocence.

If given the penalty, Scott Parker’s side could have gotten back into the game, potentially completely changing the flow of the game for the second half with the score at 1-1.

Despite Burnley fans adamant they should have been awarded a penalty, Hackett agreed with the match official’s decision on this occasion.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider the former referee Hackett said: “It was not a penalty kick for me.

“The referee got it right on this occasion.”

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