I was embarrassed’ – Postecoglou opens up on a low point of his Spurs career Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou says players and managers need to improve their attitude towards the referees.
Refereeing in the Premier League has come under scrutiny more than once already this season. Spurs have been a part of probably two of the most controversial games this season – against Liverpool and Chelsea.
In Spurs’ 2-1 win over Liverpool in late September, there was huge controversy surrounding Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal. PGMOL later released a video and acknowledged that it was a VAR mistake (Guardian).
Mikel Arteta was absolutely fuming after Arsenal’s 0-1 loss to Newcastle United. There were claims that Anthony Gordon’s goal should have been disallowed for a foul, an offside and also on the count that the ball had gone out of play (Sky Sports).
Postecoglou admitted that even he felt embarrassed after he was booked against Chelsea in their 1-4 loss earlier this month. It was a game that saw Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie being sent off for Spurs.
Yellow Card
Postecoglou empathises towards the referees
Speaking to Mail Sport, Ange Postecoglou felt that the managers and the players had to change their attitude towards the referees, offering an empathetic perspective.
“Yes, 100 per cent. I was embarrassed for being booked, even if it wasn’t for abuse. It was for leaving the technical area. Anyone who has been in the game any length of time will tell you we have all experienced a bad decision — something goes against us — and also benefited from it.
“We have understood that’s part of our game. That’s the beauty of our game. There are flaws in it because we are dealing with human beings.
“If I take that another step back and think about the junior playground where young referees are trying to do it, what are they going to do and what are they going to see?
“There does need to be some addressing of behaviour along the way. It’s easy for me to say but I have to live it and make sure I set that example.”
“I am as competitive as anyone. I want to win. I hate it when a decision goes against me and it costs me a game. But at some point, you have to respect the officials of the game. Otherwise, what’s the point?”
Postecoglou’s empathy towards the referees shows the kind of manager that he is. The Australian seems to be a man of principles and he is not wrong about the backlash towards the referees.
That said, there needs to be consistency in making decisions, which is what is frustrating a number of managers and players. Things like the Luis Diaz goal fiasco can be avoided. VAR is what needs inspection, not the referees. It’s good to see Postecoglou point that out.
