Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike powered in a crucial winner at Tottenham Hotspur. With one goal, this aim ignited a firestorm of criticism from players and supporters. That goal, which came midway through the second half, doubled the Reds’ lead. It further raised concerns regarding the quality of officiating in the game. Tottenham’s captain Cristian Romero was left feeling aggrieved, as many, including Brentford manager Thomas Frank, claimed that Ekitike’s goal should have been disallowed due to a foul.
Ekitike’s equalizer in the 65th minute was a thunderous header, as he leapt above Cristian Romero to connect with a perfectly-delivered cross. The pint-sized young forward leaped like a salmon, drawing rapturous applause from Liverpool supporters in attendance. On the other side, irritation festered among the Tottenham camp. Frank noted a particularly contentious moment he thought would have activated a red card intervention from the official.
Frank then went on to describe how Ekitike gave Romero a shove in the back with two hands. This all occurred as Romero attempted to win a header. This rather extreme assertion has taken much of the media by storm. It’s particularly remarkable given the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system which assists on-field officials in making accurate, informed calls.
“It’s two hands in the back from Ekitike. I don’t understand how he (referee John Brooks) can’t see it,” – Thomas Frank.
Frank’s frustration didn’t stop with the young Frenchman’s goal. What was most amazing to him, though, was how VAR didn’t get involved with that decision. He considered it a missed opportunity to make things right on what he called a “colossal blunder” by the officials.
“But luckily, we have VAR so they will bail you out when you need it – but they didn’t and that was the second mistake,” – Thomas Frank.
The drama of that match went beyond just Ekitike’s goal. Tottenham had been the victims of dubious officiating earlier in the game themselves, including this possible red card call on Romero. Arne Slot, the Feyenoord manager who joined the chorus of voices condemning the officiating before the match, noted that different foul calls were being made in each game.
“I don’t think he had any intention to do it. But where he touches him from behind, the height, I think on the calf. Already a few times in games when other teams made fouls like it against us, it didn’t lead to a red card. But this time it did,” – Arne Slot.
The discussion surrounding officiating mistakes intensified further when pundit Jamie Redknapp chimed in, expressing his disbelief at the lack of a free-kick awarded to Romero after Ekitike’s challenge.
“I can’t believe Romero hasn’t got a free-kick,” – Jamie Redknapp.
Arguments about the quality of refereeing and VAR are becoming increasingly incendiary. Now football fans everywhere are debating the role of human mistakes and technology helping man in officiating. The dubious nature of Ekitike’s goal will certainly affect how future similar situations are dealt with in subsequent matches.
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