Hackett: Fulham denied 'clear' penalty as Tottenham controversy analysed
03/16/2025 03:43 PM
Fulham were denied a nailed-on penalty against Tottenham after Raul Jimenez was pushed over inside the box, Keith Hackett has claimed.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the exaggerated way the 33-year-old went to ground did not help his case with the referee.
Marco Silva’s side went on to win the game 2-0, providing a huge boost to his side’s hopes of European qualification ahead of the international break.
Fulham have now moved into eighth place in the Premier League, just three points away from Man City in fifth – which could be enough for Champions League qualification this season.
Tottenham, meanwhile, saw the pressure piled on as they remain 14th in the Premier League, three points behind Man United and five behind Crystal Palace, who have a game in hand.
Ange Postecoglou is under pressure at Tottenham as a result of their disappointing league position, and another defeat to Fulham has piled further pressure on the boss.
Tottenham star Djed Spence avoids punishment for ‘clear’ penalty
A foul by Djed Spence on Jimenez was the most note-worthy incident of the game as the striker was shoved over in the box when preparing to meet a cross.
Replays showed that Spence had clearly pushed Jimenez out of the way and made no attempt to challenge the ball, but referee Andy Madley waved play on.
The incident was also checked by VAR official Paul Tierney, but no on-field review was recommended and Spurs were let off the hook.
Hackett explained that the theatrical manner Jimenez went to ground would have played a part in the officials’ decision-making in a questionable call.
However, he explained that Madley should have awarded a penalty kick regardless of the way the player went to ground as he has still been fouled.
Keith Hackett slams Andy Madley for Fulham v Tottenham incident
Denying Jimenez a penalty had little impact on the game’s ultimate result, but has raised further questions about the decisions made by Madley.
Hackett claimed the exaggerated fall should not have influenced the referee’s decision, and insisted Fulham can feel aggrieved after being denied a “nailed-on penalty”.
“It’s a nailed-on penalty kick,” he told Football Insider.
“That exaggerated dolphin-action dive did not help his case.
“The push was clear, and a foul is a foul.
“It’s a push and that is the offence.
“The referee cannot ignore the offence despite the exaggerated fall.”
Fulham will now look forward to their game following the international break as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter final.
An opportunity to go to Wembley for the first time since their win against Brentford in the 2020 Championship playoff final beckons – and they will hope to avoid further refereeing controversy.
Palace, meanwhile, last played at Wembley in their 2-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea in 2022 and will be determined to reach that stage under Oliver Glasner.
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The post Hackett: Fulham denied 'clear' penalty as Tottenham controversy analysed appeared first on Football Insider.
