Former England manager Sam Allardyce has launched a scathing attack on referee Peter Bankes, accusing him of committing an 'outrageous' error during Sunday's North London Derby that heavily favored Arsenal. The Gunners secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, a result that has reignited their Premier League title aspirations after a recent slump.
Controversial Decision Mars Derby Clash
While Arsenal's superiority on the day was widely acknowledged, the match could have taken a dramatically different turn if not for a contentious refereeing call. Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani saw his second goal of the game disallowed for an alleged push on Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Video replays suggested the contact was minimal, raising questions about Gabriel's theatrical fall that convinced Bankes to rule out the goal.
Allardyce's Furious Critique
Speaking on the Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce did not mince words. 'The referee in the North London Derby made a massive error by disallowing Randal Kolo Muani's second goal,' he stated. 'Spurs may not have gone on to get any points from the game, but if they were to have made it 2-2, who knows whether Arsenal's nerves would have frayed again?'
Allardyce went further, suggesting Gabriel should have been booked for simulation. 'How many times do we see a ball come into the box from corners where there's pushing and shoving – almost grievous bodily harm – and the referee allows a goal to stand?' he questioned, highlighting what he perceives as inconsistent officiating standards.
Tottenham's Relegation Fears Intensify
The defeat leaves Tottenham in a precarious position, now just four points above the relegation zone. Interim manager Igor Tudor faces a daunting task to steer the club to safety, with the loss exposing significant weaknesses in the squad. Former Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet expressed concerns about Tudor's appointment, noting the Croatian coach looked 'shocked' during the derby.
'I was surprised to see Spurs appoint Igor Tudor, given the precarious situation they're in,' Poyet told BetWright. 'Not because of his ability as a coach, but more the fact that the club are in a troubling position. I was expecting someone with a lot of experience coaching in the Premier League.'
Broader Implications for the Season
Allardyce also criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for failing to overturn Bankes' decision. 'It was an outrageously bad decision and really, really poor from the referee – and even poorer from VAR to allow the decision to stand,' he added. This incident has sparked renewed debate about refereeing consistency and VAR's effectiveness in high-stakes matches.
For Arsenal, the victory provides a crucial boost in their title chase, demonstrating resilience after recent setbacks. For Tottenham, the result amplifies existing anxieties, with the team now facing a fierce battle to avoid relegation. As the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, both clubs will be acutely aware that every decision – on and off the pitch – could have monumental consequences.
