Former referees’ chief left stunned by Thomas Bramall call in Fulham vs Tottenham clash

Thomas Bramall was reportedly in a clear position to disallow one of Fulham’s goals against Tottenham at Craven Cottage.

That’s the view of Keith Hackett, the ex-PGMOL chief and former FIFA referee, who told Football Insider that Raul Jimenez should have been penalised for an obvious shove on Radu Dragusin during Sunday’s clash on 1 March.

Pressure is already mounting on Igor Tudor in North London after losing his first two matches in charge, leaving Spurs just four points above the relegation zone with 10 fixtures remaining.

Meanwhile, Marco Silva guided his side up to ninth in the Premier League standings, with first-half strikes from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi sealing all three points for Fulham.

Tottenham supporters confused by contrasting decisions

Spurs were still frustrated from the North London derby, where Randal Kolo Muani had a goal ruled out for a supposed push on Gabriel Magalhaes, with many feeling the defender exaggerated the contact.

However, at Craven Cottage, a far more forceful shove by Jimenez on Dragusin in the build-up to Fulham’s goal went unpunished, placing the PGMOL and its officials under renewed scrutiny.

Despite a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand, leaving travelling fans and the Tottenham bench furious at the decision.

Hackett admitted he was stunned that Bramall permitted the goal to count, with VAR backing the on-field call just days after Spurs saw their own effort chalked off against the Gunners.

Bramall “perfectly placed” to spot foul

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said:

“Thomas Bramall is perfectly positioned to assess that incident, so I’m surprised he didn’t award a free-kick for the push.

“A push is a push — regardless of force, the law is clear. For a referee of his calibre not to recognise it raises questions. What guidance has he received from PGMOL not to penalise that?

“It feels like the threshold for pushing offences is being raised, and that only creates confusion. PGMOL referees need to sit down together and clarify interpretations around pushing and handball situations.”