Ian Wright Slams Spence’s ‘Blatant Dive’ Amid Calls for Retrospective Bans
Djed Spence sparked controversy during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Liverpool, drawing sharp criticism for what appeared to be simulation in the closing stages of the first half.
Arne Slot’s side arrived in north London and swiftly dominated, building a two-goal advantage that enabled them to control the match comfortably. Spurs found it hard to build any rhythm, with growing frustration evident as the opening period neared its end.
A key moment occurred near halftime when Spence tangled with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley in the box. The Tottenham full-back collapsed, prompting strong penalty claims from the home crowd, but the referee waved play on. Television replays indicated possible exaggeration of contact, fueling accusations of diving and intense discussion among analysts and fans.
This episode has revived calls for football authorities to introduce stricter retrospective penalties for simulation. Since VAR can only step in for clear errors, such incidents frequently escape punishment in-game, prompting debate over whether after-the-fact bans could better discourage it.
Ex-Arsenal forward and pundit Ian Wright was outspoken in condemning Spence, asserting the player deliberately sought contact. On Premier League Productions on December 20, Wright analyzed the play and expressed clear conviction.
“You can see the other player behind him,” Wright said. “He’s got no chance of getting that ball on the other side. So he’s just knocked it inside and just wanted contact and got it. It’s a blatant dive for me.”
Wright argued that Spence had maneuvered into a difficult position on a solo run and, when surrounded by Liverpool defenders, opted to invite contact instead of retaining possession or passing.
Ex-Premier League official Keith Hackett also commented, noting that deception through falling has become routine today. In an exclusive with Tottenham News, Hackett argued the problem would endure without stronger referee action.
“Sadly, going to ground to deceive the referee by an act of simulation is a regular occurrence in the modern game,” Hackett stated. “It will continue if referees fail to sanction. I do believe that the authorities need to consider retrospective punishment for acts of simulation.”
For Spence, the controversy overshadowed an otherwise encouraging recent spell. He has stood out lately with his dynamism and forward runs, making this episode particularly regrettable—one he would prefer not to revisit amid Tottenham’s challenging campaign.
The Liverpool defeat has heightened scrutiny on manager Thomas Frank, as pressure builds on the Dane with Spurs stuck in the lower half of the table after 17 games. After a promising early season, the team has appeared vulnerable in crucial phases, and Frank’s cautious tactics in some matches have annoyed parts of the support base.
Poor results have fueled those frustrations, with Tottenham securing only one victory in their past eight league fixtures. Fan discussions about a possible change in leadership have intensified, heightening the atmosphere in north London.
Compounding issues, Frank would have been livid at recurring disciplinary problems against Liverpool, as Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero both received red cards. With mounting challenges, Spence’s disputed fall and the expensive sendings-off further highlight the current turmoil at Tottenham Hotspur.