The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has accepted that Brighton should have been awarded a penalty for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s tackle on Kaoru Mitoma during Saturday’s game at Tottenham. The incident was one of a number of decisions that went against Roberto De Zerbi’s team, with VAR not intervening and Brighton eventually losing 2-1 to Harry Kane’s late goal.
It has been reported that PGMOL chief Howard Webb has communicated directly with senior Brighton officials to acknowledge the mistake. If Brighton had won the game, they would now be in sixth place, a point behind Tottenham with two games in hand. Following the game, Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was critical of the failure to award a penalty, questioning the point of VAR if it is not used for big decisions. BBC pundit and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton also commented that Brighton had been “robbed”.
PGMOL has previously apologised to Brighton for mistakes in their game against Crystal Palace in February and for an incident involving Solly March in a game against Aston Villa just before the World Cup. In addition, Brighton have asked for clarification around five key decisions taken at Saturday’s game, including a penalty claim when Dunk’s shirt was pulled in the box, and two Brighton goals disallowed for handball. They are also looking for an explanation as to why De Zerbi was sent off, as the club believes 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.