‘PGMOL need to take action’ - Ex-FIFA referee slams Cristian Romero's disallowed goal
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(Credit: Sky Sports/Imago)
Jack Heath
Sat 13 September 2025 19:24, UK
Cristian Romero and Tottenham were infuriated by a disallowed goal early in the first half of their 3-0 win over West Ham after the referee adjudged Micky van de Ven to foul Mateus Fernandes.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his stance on the Lilywhites dubiously disallowed goal against West Ham.
New signing Xavi Simons made his full debut for Tottenham after joining from German side RB Leipzig against the Hammers.
The Dutchman looked to make an impact in his first game for Spurs as Thomas Frank’s side looked to get back to winning ways after Tottenham lost 1-0 to Bournemouth where fans booed before the international break.
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In the 18th minute of the London derby, the Tottenham had a corner taken by former Iron Mohammed Kudus.
World Cup champion Romero nodded in the superb delivery into the empty net as the referee blew the whistle for an alleged foul.
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It was hard to clarify but Kyle Walker-Peters tumbled to the ground as Van de Ven and Fernandes were both seen supposedly grappling in the box.
The Argentinian and the Spurs players were incensed the goal was not given, nor was overturned by VAR.
VAR’s failure to intervene did not overturn the original decision which seemed to be a perplexing one for Hackett who did not understand the call.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider the former referee said: “Given the amount of grappling that we witness at set pieces, we have seen incidents similar go unpunished.”
Credit: Imago
“The inconsistency around these incidents has been going on for several seasons.
The fact that a good goal was ruled out emphasised this inconsistency.
“I would have expected this goal to stand and not to be ruled out.