Xavi Simons is starting to gain a reputation as a difficult player for referees to manage in English football, following incidents during Aston Villa’s victory over Tottenham.
Former PGMOL boss and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider that referee Craig Pawson should have shown Simons a yellow card just three minutes into the match. Despite a number of heavy challenges early on in the FA Cup tie on Saturday, 10 January, Pawson opted against taking disciplinary action.
In the opening moments, Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara was forced off injured after a collision with Joao Palhinha, yet the referee continued to keep his cards in his pocket. Hackett was particularly surprised by Simons’ first foul at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially given the midfielder had only recently returned from suspension following a red-card tackle on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
While Simons’ aggressive approach may appeal to supporters, it could count against him in the Premier League.
Simons firmly on referees’ radar
At just 22, Simons already has two yellow cards and one red card to his name in the Premier League, along with another booking in the Champions League. Hackett suggested Tottenham manager Thomas Frank may need to speak to the playmaker about his discipline.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett stressed that referees should prepare thoroughly and be aware of players they are officiating, adding that Simons would certainly be on his watchlist.
Pawson criticised for losing control
Tempers flared in North London, with Pawson appearing to lose control of the match midway through the second half. Several decisions left supporters confused, prompting calls for PGMOL chief Howard Webb to closely review the officiating.
Palhinha was booked for a strong challenge on Morgan Rogers, a decision that drew visible frustration from Pedro Porro on the Spurs bench. Ollie Watkins, however, escaped punishment for a clear kick-out, further fuelling the tension.
The situation boiled over when Watkins celebrated the win in front of a Tottenham player, sparking a mass confrontation on the pitch. Although some fans welcomed the fight shown by Spurs, it proved too late as they crashed out of the FA Cup, adding another disappointing result to their 2025–26 campaign.
Early warning signs for Simons
Just three minutes into the game, Simons caught Matty Cash with a heavy challenge, leaving the defender briefly on the ground. Considering Simons’ recent red card against Liverpool, replays showed the foul was far from harmless, and the Spurs midfielder was fortunate to avoid a booking.
Palhinha could also have been cautioned in the early exchanges, suggesting Pawson was determined to manage the game without resorting to cards.
Spurs denied key set-piece
Randal Kolo Muani thought he had scored a crucial equaliser before being flagged offside, halting celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Replays showed a clear foul on Simons in the build-up, which should have resulted in an advantage or a dangerous free-kick just outside the penalty area.
Instead, Villa were awarded a free-kick, leaving Spurs feeling hard done by.
Watkins escapes punishment again
Ollie Watkins was also fortunate to avoid a booking—or even a red card—after a clash with Palhinha. Replays clearly showed the striker lashing out and taking the midfielder’s legs from under him.
Once again, Pawson failed to act decisively, instead focusing on separating players as tensions continued to rise.
