Referee Jon Moss has admitted that he was “misguided” to ask fourth official Martin Atkinson for assistance via television when he awarded Liverpool’s first penalty against Tottenham on Sunday.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited have however backed Moss for his handling of the incident which saw Harry Kane brought down in the area by Loris Karius and a penalty subsequently being awarded.
Moss consulted with his Eddie Smart to clarify whether Kane was offside when the ball came through him before he eventually gave the penalty.
The incident has been shrouded in controversy with some including Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk accusing Kane of diving.
The statement read: “Jon Moss was in a good position to see that a Liverpool player deliberately played the ball before it fell to Harry Kane. He then correctly judged that Kane was fouled by LoriusKarius.
“Eddie Smart correctly sought clarification on whether DejanLovren had deliberately played the ball. His question created some momentary confusion when Eddie asked if ‘Lovren’ had touched the ball. Moss knew a Liverpool player had touched the ball but not that it was Lovren.
“He then asked a question to his fourth official Martin Atkinson and acknowledges that referencing ‘TV’ was misguided. Atkinson did not reply to the question and so had no involvement in the decision. Having properly reflected on the questions asked, Jon knew that a Liverpool player, now identified as Lovren, had played the ball and that no offside offence had occurred. He then awarded the penalty.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Atkinson did not view a television monitor and did not relay any information to the on-field officials.”
