Postecoglou Blames Referee In Tottenham's Defeat To Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a painful defeat to Chelsea at home on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

Ange Postecoglou's team fell 3-4 after winning 2-0 when the game had only been running for 11 minutes.

Postecoglou looked frustrated because the result made his troops have lost twice in a row and four games without a win in all competitions.

Not surprisingly, he was looking for a scapegoat for Spurs' defeat by blaming referee Anthony Taylor's performance.

The 59-year-old coach commented on several Taylor controversial decisions, such as not punishing Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, who made late tackles against Pepe Matar Saar in the 34th minute.

Then, the VAR referee, Jarred Gillett, judged Caicedo not to use excessive force in the tackle, but the decision was strongly protested by Postecoglou.

"I think that's what's going on with football's current conditions, where people can just keep quiet to make big decisions."

"I don't think the referee wants to make a decision because they are going to VAR and VAR doesn't want to intervene. So, it's like you're in an no-man's area."

"I just don't think, I've said it before, technology has helped our game," said Postecoglou.

Furthermore, the Australian coach emphasized that the presence of VAR did not help the referee make the right decision.

The problem is, according to Postecoglou, teams or coaches in particular can only accept decisions on the ground even if they are harmed.

"I don't see how it helps. Instead of one person controlling the game and you taking it, it's like no one is in control because everyone is afraid to make decisions to overturn other people's decisions."

"The referee is afraid to make decisions if they are wrong, VAR doesn't want to intervene. I understand that because you don't want to interfere with the game. You just have to accept it," said Postecoglou.

Caicedo's release from punishment made Chelsea more comfortable with his rise.

The Blues scored one goal in the first half to reduce the 1-2. Then, in the second half, Enzo Maresca's men bought three straight goals to turn things around 4-2.

Spurs were only given the opportunity to score an entertainment goal in injury time through Son Heung-min.