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Credit: TNT Sports

Harri Burton

Sat 23 August 2025 15:32, UK

James Trafford should have been sent off during Tottenham’s victory over Man City, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the new signing denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity as Spurs won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 23 August.

Four minutes after Brennan Johnson‘s opener, in the 39th minute, the shot-stopper charged out of his area, taking out Mohammed Kudus while also appearing to handle the ball outside of the penalty area.

Luckily for Thomas Frank’s side, Trafford messed up for Man City once again, passing out to Pape Sarr, who claimed back possession in the box before Joao Palhinha buried his shot from close range.

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

Man City supporters are likely to be calling for Gianluigi Donnarumma to sign more now than ever after the 22-year-old’s mistake, but it remains to be seen whether the club make a move just yet.

James Trafford made a huge error.

(Credit: Imago)

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The youngster experienced a very tough first home debut since returning from Burnley, but it could have been even worse for him had he been handed his marching orders at the Etihad.

Spurs, and certainly Kudus, were desperate for referee Peter Bankes to take action, but even after a VAR review, all calls from the visitors were waved away, much to the disappointment of Hackett.

Trafford was one of last season’s Championship Players of the Season, playing a key role in the Clarets’ record-breaking campaign, but it was an afternoon to forget against the Lilywhites.

(Credit: Imago)

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee questioned the use of VAR, saying: “I have to ask, what is VAR doing?

This is a clear handball offence outside the penalty area.

“It’s a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

It’s a red card,” but Trafford played the rest of the 90 minutes, making several important saves to keep City in with a fighting chance of a comeback.

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