(Credit: TNT Sports)

Ben Palmer

Wed 13 August 2025 22:11, UK

Keith Hackett has given his instant verdict after Joao Palhinha crashed into Marquinhos for Tottenham’s opening goal against PSG.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Portuguese midfielder had made a “genuine attempt to play the ball”.

Following an up-and-down pre-season that included a 4-0 battering at the hands of Bayern Munich, Tottenham were looking to make a good start to life against PSG under their new manager.

Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou.

(Credit: Imago)

Thomas Frank arrived to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer and had the opportunity to match his predecessor by bringing silverware to North London.

And things couldn’t have started better after Mick van de Ven found the back of the net in the 39th minute, although the goal was not without its controversy.

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

Palhinha signed for Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich this summer, and the Portuguese midfielder made an instant impact.

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In front of a noisy crowd in Udinese’s home stadium, a long, searching freekick found its way into the six-yard box after a header back in from Cristian Romero.

Marquinhos then attempted to head the ball clear, but was wiped out as he jumped high by Palhinha in the process, paving a way for Van de Ven to score the opener for his side on the rebound from the Portuguese loanee’s own initial shot.

Despite the heavy contact, referee João Pedro Silva Pinheiro saw no issues with the goal and allowed it to stand.

Having reviewed the footage, former PGMOL chief Hackett sided with the referee in his decision to allow Tottenham‘s opener.

He told Football Insider exclusively: “Given the amount of contact that is allowed by today’s match officials, I would not expect intervention from VAR because the player is making a genuine attempt to play the ball, not the man.

Joao Palhinha bumped Marquinhos out of the way for Tottenham’s opener.

(Credit: TNT Sports)

“Given that football is a contact sport, I support the decision of the referee to allow the goal.”

Spurs then doubled their lead shortly after half-time, with Romero finding the back of the net after being left totally unmarked from another freekick.

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