On Kolo Muani’s disallowed goal at Emirates Stadium, Bankes added: “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. 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.
“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.”
Speaking after the Fulham defeat about the Jimenez incident, interim head coach Igor Tudor said: “Of course, it’s a foul. It’s always a foul. It’s an incredible mistake.”
It is understood Spurs, in the letter, have provided further examples of where similar situations have occurred this season with differing outcomes.
Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade’s goal against Arsenal in September, despite a perceived push on Brazilian centre-back Gabriel in the build-up, is understood to have been included as an example of where contact in the box has been interpreted differently.
Since becoming the PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer in 2022, Webb has sought greater transparency related to the communication of decisions, but also strived for constructive direct engagement with clubs.
The PGMOL has declined to comment.