Premier League Breaks Silence on Penalty Row From Chelsea’s Clash With Tottenham HotspurThe Premier League have stepped in to clarify why Tottenham were not awarded a late penalty during their 2-1 loss to Chelsea, confirming that the ball was not in play at the moment the incident occurred.
In the closing stages of the match, Spurs were pushing numbers forward in a bid to snatch an equaliser at Stamford Bridge. A point would have gone a long way to securing their top-flight status, simultaneously putting West Ham United in serious danger owing to Tottenham’s considerably better goal difference.
Tempers flared when Marc Cucurella appeared to pull down Micky van de Ven inside the box, prompting loud protests from Tottenham’s players and coaching staff who were adamant a spot kick should have been given.
The incident stemmed from a corner kick, during which players from both sides were jostling for position. As the ball came in, Van de Ven went to ground following contact from Cucurella, sparking fury on the Spurs bench.
Referee Stuart Attwell ruled the penalty out on the basis that the ball had not yet entered play, and the Premier League has since confirmed that VAR reviewed and upheld that call. Their official statement noted that Cucurella’s actions were deemed to have taken place before the ball was live, meaning no penalty could be awarded under the laws of the game.
The defeat has left Spurs in a precarious position heading into the final day, though survival is still within their own hands. A win against Everton will be enough to keep them up regardless of what happens elsewhere.
The stakes could hardly be higher financially. Football Insider spoke exclusively to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who warned that Tottenham’s owners would need to pump around £100 million into the club in the event of relegation. Club revenues could also take a hit of up to £200 million should Spurs find themselves competing in the Championship next season, a prospect that would have enormous consequences for the club’s long-term plans.
ENIC remain the majority shareholders at Spurs, with the Lewis family controlling a 70.12 per cent stake in the British investment firm and former executive chairman Daniel Levy holding the remaining 29.88 per cent.
The situation is straightforward heading into the weekend — beat Everton and Tottenham are safe. But should West Ham win against Leeds United while Spurs suffer defeat, the north London club will be playing second-tier football next
season.
