Former PGMOL boss blasts officials as referee John Brooks relies on VAR to correctly send off player in Tottenham vs Liverpool clash.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has raised significant concerns about the standard of refereeing under Howard Webb following a highly contentious incident in the Tottenham vs Liverpool match.
Hackett, a former FIFA referee, told Football Insider exclusively that Xavi Simons was not the only player who deserved a red card on December 20. He pointed to Alejandro Garnacho escaping dismissal in Newcastle’s draw with Chelsea, as well as Dan Ballard’s dangerous tackle in Sunderland’s 0-0 stalemate against Brighton.
Hackett has repeatedly criticised the performance of Webb’s officials throughout the 2025-26 season, and the weekend’s fixtures only heightened those doubts about consistency in Premier League refereeing.
### John Brooks required VAR assistance to dismiss Xavi Simons
In the 33rd minute, referee Brooks eventually brandished a red card to Simons after being called to the pitchside monitor, upgrading his initial yellow card decision—a move that provided Hackett with some satisfaction.
In his exclusive comments to Football Insider, the ex-referee stated: “This weekend featured two tackles that, in my view, warranted red cards rather than the yellows issued. Unfortunately, many PGMOL officials adopt an overly forgiving approach. In the Tottenham-Liverpool game, John Brooks correctly enforced the rules. Following a tackle comparable to others mentioned, he appropriately sent off Simons.”
When questioned on whether Brooks should have identified the offence immediately, Hackett replied: “Absolutely, though VAR Stuart Attwell’s intervention was a welcome correction.”
### Jamie Redknapp’s view on the Tottenham dismissal
During Sky Sports’ half-time analysis, Redknapp expressed sympathy for the Dutch player but acknowledged the decision was clear-cut, describing Simons’ lunge at Virgil van Dijk as “foolish.”
The sending-off undoubtedly disrupted what might have been an entertaining contest, but after Simons caught the Liverpool captain with his studs, Brooks had limited options.
The 22-year-old has struggled since arriving in England, registering only two goals and three assists in 21 appearances, and this incident is unlikely to boost his settling-in process in north London.
Prior to the dismissal, Tottenham—under manager Thomas Frank—appeared capable of earning a result, but goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike ultimately dashed those prospects.