Tottenham controversy analysed with Paul Tierney labelled 'incompetent'

By Keith Hackett

4th May, 2023 | 7:00am

Ex-Premier League referee: Oliver Skipp should get extended ban as Tottenham footage re-analysed

Paul Tierney has not been appointed a Premier League match this weekend because of his ‘incompetent’ performance during the clash between Liverpool and Tottenham.

That is the view of ex-Fifa and English top-flight referee Keith Hackett, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial decisions made by Tierney at Anfield last Sunday.

Tierney became embroiled in controversy when he decided to not show a red card to Oliver Skipp for his challenge on Luis Diaz.

In the 33rd minute of Sunday’s showdown, Skipp tackled Diaz on the edge of the area and managed to connect with the ball before his follow-through caught the Colombian winger above the ankle.

Tierney allowed play to continue after the challenge and Skipp avoided any form of punishment even after a VAR check.

Following the controversy, which included another questionable decision surrounding Diogo Jota, the PGMOL decided to withdraw Tierney from the firing line and not appoint him as a referee for any upcoming Premier League fixtures this weekend.

Tierney currently tops the charts for most Premier League matches officiated this season with 28 games in 2022/23, drawing him level on appearances with Michael Oliver.

“It doesn’t matter if Skipp plays the ball first, it was a blatant endangerment of a player,” Hackett told Football Insider.

It’s a nailed-on red card.

I think the referee was incompetent – that’s why he’s not refereeing this weekend.

And he has had the most appointments of all officials this season.

In other news, Tottenham edge closer to appointing manager who can persuade Harry Kane to stay