Randal Kolo Muani controversially saw a goal ruled out for a push on Arsenal defender Gabriel in the north London derby and the audio from Peter Bankes’ decision has now been released
Peter Bankes’ decision to disallow what would have been Randal Kolo Muani’s second goal in the north London derby has been scrutinised(Image: Catherine Ivill/AMA)
Referee Peter Bankes has insisted he was right to disallow Randal Kolo Muani’s equaliser in the North London derby because it was a “very, very clear offence.”
Arsenal defender Gabriel caused a storm by going down under Muani’s challenge in the box and former Premier League referees’ chief Keith Hackett branded it a “stupid and soft” decision.
Bankes immediately gave a foul and chalked the goal off and VAR did not intervene despite it causing plenty of anger among the Spurs fans as it would have brought the scoreline back to 2-2.
Bankes said on the Match Officials Mic’d Up show: “So, obviously I’m in a position I’d expect to be for a cross coming in from the right-hand side.
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“I see two hands from the Tottenham player into the back of the Arsenal player and that is going to be my main focus. Once you see two hands in live play, it looks like a push, a clear push.
“I delayed the whistle so that the play could continue, then obviously gave my final decision once the ball had gone into the goal and that allows the VAR then to potentially check if I’ve misread something or if it doesn’t quite look right. But on-field it looked a very, very clear offence.
“I’m still comfortable. Obviously, different speeds can make things look different. In slow motion, it can look different to what you see live. I get one look at it, and I was more than happy that the two hands on the back had enough impact and was an offence.
Randal Kolo Muani was penalised for a push on Gabriel Magalhaes(Image: Sky Sports)
“I understand there’s going to be split opinions on it, but for me I’m still comfortable that that is enough for a free-kick.”
It was a major let-off for Arsenal who then went on to win 4-1 while Gabriel got away with a challenge as far as Tottenham were concerned.
That was also backed up by ex Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher who said: “The on-field decision is always going to stand. The ref thinks there is enough of a push. VAR is never going to say he’s got it wrong as the evidence is there.”
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