The controversial red card shown to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur has sparked widespread debate, but former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes referee Michael Oliver made the right decision.
The incident happened just 12 minutes into Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Mateta made a dangerous challenge on Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
Oliver initially did not issue a red card. However, after VAR official Jarred Gillett recommended an on-field review, the referee revisited the incident and upgraded his decision to a straight red for serious foul play.
The dismissal left Crystal Palace with ten players for most of the match and significantly changed the course of the contest.
Tottenham took advantage of their numerical superiority when Archie Gray headed home Mohammed Kudus’ corner in the 25th minute. Jan Paul van Hecke then scored in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
KEITH HACKETT EXPLAINS WHY MATETA DESERVED TO BE SENT OFF
Despite the debate surrounding the incident, Hackett firmly supported Oliver’s decision.
Speaking to Tottenham News, the former refereeing chief described Mateta’s challenge as poor and insisted that the red card was justified.
He also explained that situations like this demonstrate the importance of VAR, as the technology gives referees an opportunity to review incidents they might not fully assess during live play.
The major concern was the point of contact. Mateta’s extended right leg and raised boot made contact with the Achilles area of Van de Ven’s leg, creating a potentially dangerous situation for the Tottenham defender.
Although Mateta appeared to raise his hand in an apologetic gesture immediately after the challenge, that reaction did not change the seriousness of the offence.
Hackett’s assessment was clear: Oliver reached the correct decision after reviewing the footage.
VAR OFFICIAL JARRED GILLETT ALSO RECEIVES PRAISE
Hackett did not limit his praise to the referee on the pitch. He also commended VAR official Jarred Gillett for intervening and recommending a review.
Gillett’s role was particularly important because Oliver had initially allowed the incident to go without a red card. The subsequent review enabled the referee to examine the challenge more closely before making his final decision.
Hackett praised Gillett’s work as a VAR operator and agreed that Mateta’s dismissal was the appropriate outcome.
His comments provide further support for the officiating team amid the discussions surrounding one of the match’s most decisive moments.
TOTTENHAM BENEFIT AS CRYSTAL PALACE STRUGGLE
Mateta’s early dismissal left Crystal Palace facing a difficult task against a Tottenham side looking to extend their winning run.
Spurs eventually secured all three points through goals from Gray and Van Hecke, recording their third consecutive Premier League victory.
Although Tottenham may have remained competitive against eleven opponents, Palace’s numerical disadvantage made the challenge considerably harder.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat added to their growing difficulties, while Tottenham continued building momentum under De Zerbi.
With Hackett backing both Oliver and Gillett, the focus has shifted towards whether supporters will accept the explanation behind the controversial decision.
