‘It is a lack of accountability when big errors are made’
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has stated that Paul Tierney should have sent Harry Kane off in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.
The two sides played out an entertaining and fierce four-goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with referee Tierney widely criticised after making a number of highly controversial calls during the match.
Following the match, Hackett – former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – slammed the referee for his performance, before claiming there is ‘no accountability when big errors are made’. He said:
“How can Harry Kane stay on the pitch after that reckless challenge that endangered the safety of an opponent?
“Excessive force. Serious foul play challenge, red card, another refereeing error. It is a lack of accountability when big errors are made. No apology, no explanation, carry on boys you can do what you want!
“How can he defend a player who is out of control, uses excessive force? Why doesn’t VAR suggest a look at the monitor to help the referee? That’s what it is there for.
“VAR rightly advises referee Tierney to review the red card for Robertson of Liverpool who is correctly sent off. Why didn’t VAR do the same on the Kane challenge? Both were red card offences.”
How can Harry Kane stay on the pitch after that reckless challenge that endangered the safety of an opponent. Excessive force. Serious Foul Play challenge RED CARD -another refereeing error
— KEITH HACKETT (@HACKETTREF) December 19, 2021
Liverpool were aggrieved with several calls not going in their favour, including Harry Kane escaping a red card for a robust tackle on Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota not getting a penalty after being barged to the floor by Emerson Royal.
Jurgen Klopp stormed onto the pitch after the game to confront Tierney, saying: “Honestly, I have no problem with any referees, only you. You don’t give us this penalty – you have never played football’.
The German also spoke about the official in his post-match press conference, adding: “I really have no idea what his problem is with me. Honestly, I have no idea. I have no problem… you just need an objective ref who sees the situations and judges them and not opinions.”
After dropping points against Spurs, the Reds fell further behind league-leaders Manchester City, who extended their lead to three points after a routine 4-0 at Newcastle on Sunday.
Related links:
- Angry Jurgen Klopp confronts referee Paul Tierney after Liverpool’s Spurs draw
- Jurgen Klopp confronts referee in the tunnel after first-half decisions
- Premier League clubs to discuss festive fixture postponement
