Dermot Gallagher gives take on three Tottenham decisions against Brighton

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Dermot Gallagher has given his take on three controversial decisions during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 win over Brighton on Sunday afternoon – and the former Premier League referee’s verdict on Sky Sports will leave Spurs fans vindicated.

Tottenham climbed to second place in the Premier League table as Gareth Bale came off the bench to score a winner inside the last 20 minutes, with a stunning header. Sergio Reguilon laid on the assist, after an excellent long ball from Toby Alderweireld.

Harry Kane had put Spurs ahead from the penalty spot after winning a penalty following a challenge from Adam Lallana. Some have accused Kane of cheating Lallana into the foul, but Gallagher believes it was the right decision to award a spot-kick.

Gallagher also commented on Brighton’s goal, stating that Solly March should have been handed a yellow card for his tackle on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. He also thinks Leonardo Trossard’s claim for a penalty was ruined by his theatrics.

“I do not think it should (have been allowed). That is a foul and a yellow card, but for whatever reason, the referee chose not to give it,” Gallagher said on Brighton’s goal. On Tottenham’s penalty, he said: “I think it was (a penalty).

“Lallana chose to make a challenge which wasn’t the wisest decision for him and caught Kane in the back. Because he grabs him and lets him go quickly, and the way Trossard goes down very theatrically. On that basis, he has turned it down.”

TBR’s view – Gallagher bang on, Kane clever

The penalty is a penalty. Though it is on the line, it still counts and as Kane tries to make it clear to Adam Lallana during the match, it would be given as a foul anywhere on the pitch. Kane is clever, and wins the penalty – but Lallana is sucked in.

The Brighton goal should not have stood and many are in agreement on this. Though March gets the ball slightly, he completely wipes out Hojbjerg, meaning Spurs cannot break and lose possession. On the Trossard claim, it is a tight one.

But as Gallagher states, because Trossard over-eggs his fall to the floor, it is clear that Doherty has not pushed him. Had he gone to ground naturally, a penalty might have gone to Brighton.