adminKeith Hackett reacts to Tottenham Hotspur penalty controversy vs Leeds United after analysing footage
Keith Hackett: Referee Correct to Deny Tottenham Late Penalty
In the final moments of stoppage time, James Maddison appeared to try and dribble past Leeds United’s Lukas Nmecha inside the penalty area. But after a challenge, the Tottenham midfielder went to ground, prompting his teammates to swarm the referee in search of a spot kick.
The referee disagreed, however, and VAR quickly backed his call, as replays suggested Nmecha made slight contact with the ball during the tackle.
After reviewing the footage, former referee Keith Hackett insisted the officials made the right decision. He told Football Insider exclusively: “Looking closely at the replays, the defender plays the ball. The attacker, who doesn’t have possession, goes to ground too easily. The match officials got this one right.”
Tottenham Still Searching for First Premier League Penalty of the Season
Hackett has previously told Football Insider that Tottenham have been unlucky not to receive a penalty this season. He pointed to their defeat to West Ham in January as a game where potential spot kicks were overlooked—both by the on-field referee and VAR, even after reviews.
Those missed decisions could still play a role in Tottenham’s relegation battle if West Ham overtake them in the final two matches of the campaign.
Spurs are one of only two teams yet to be awarded a penalty this season, alongside Aston Villa. It remains to be seen whether they can break that streak in their remaining games, as they fight to secure Premier League survival for the 2026–27 season.
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