Tottenham v Brighton: Refereeing body admits Brighton should have had penalty
- Published
De Zerbi 'frustrated' after Brighton defeat
Refereeing body PGMOL has admitted Brighton should have had a penalty for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's tackle on Kaoru Mitoma in Saturday's game at Tottenham.
The incident was one of a number of decisions that went against Roberto de Zerbi's men.
Hojbjerg seemed to catch Mitoma in the second half but referee Stuart Attwell did not give the decision in real time.
VAR did not intervene and Brighton eventually lost 2-1 to Harry Kane's late goal.
If Brighton had won the game, they would now be in sixth, a point behind Tottenham with two games in hand.
BBC Sport understands there has been direct communication between PGMOL chief Howard Webb and senior Brighton officials acknowledging the mistake.
Brighton had asked for clarification around a number of decisions during the match, with PGMOL later releasing a statement confirming it had been in contact with the club.
"During that dialogue, PGMOL acknowledged that an error was made in not awarding a second-half penalty for a foul on Kaoru Mitoma," the statement read.
"The key match incidents from this fixture will be reviewed in line with our normal processes."
What happened during the match?
Brighton had asked for clarification around five key decisions taken at Saturday's game, which saw a further penalty claim when Lewis Dunk's shirt was pulled in the box, and two Brighton goals disallowed for handball.
The club are also looking for an explanation as to why De Zerbi was sent off as they believe he was actively trying to calm the situation down when coaching staff from both teams had an altercation on the touchline.
Spurs interim head coach Cristian Stellini was also dismissed.
PGMOL previously apologised to Brighton following mistakes in their game against Crystal Palace in February and it is understood it also did so around an incident involving Solly March in a game against Aston Villa just before the World Cup.
What has the reaction been?
Following the game, Brighton captain Dunk was critical of the failure to award a penalty.
"I don't see what VAR is here for," the defender said. "You bring it in for big decisions and don't make big decisions. What is the point of it? He has clearly fouled him."
BBC pundit and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said the visitors had been "robbed".
"Howard Webb will be apologising to them once again, of that I'm sure! Truly awful," he added.
Manager De Zerbi said it was "clear" his side should have been given a penalty.
"Sometimes I ask myself if the rules are the same in Italy, in Ukraine, in the Champions League and in the Premier League," he said.
"I think it was clear, very clear but I don't know. It is finished and we have to think for the next game."