'The referee': Aaron Ramsdale makes comment about how Paul Tierney was after giving decisions against Arsenal

By Sam Preston

Aaron Ramsdale has criticised referee Paul Tierney after his decision to award Tottenham a penalty and send off Rob Holding in last night’s north London derby.

Tierney gave Spurs a spot-kick when Cedric Soares was adjudged to have fouled Son Heung-min before Holding was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Speaking to Arsenal club media, Ramsdale said the big decisions went against Arsenal and that referee Tierney did not want to listen to anyone else’s opinion.

Arsenal can still qualify for next season’s Champions League if they win their two remaining games but last night was a significant psychological blow.

Ramsdale criticises referee Tierney

“You go to any ground and any game,” said Ramsdale. “Let alone the North London Derby, and a decision goes against you – the referee didn’t really want to hear anyone’s opinion.

“It was a short space of time and we’ve gone from looking comfortable in the game at 0-0 to 2-0 down. Then it’s a lottery.

“If you get the next goal, the crowd could get a bit nervous, but unfortunately we conceded just after half time and then it’s game over.

“We came here for three points, personally, decisions went against us tonight. I’ve not seen replays, we’re an honest bunch of lads, so when we see the replays and if it is a penalty and it is a sending off, we’ll be the first to admit it, but on first glance, I feel like the big decisions went against us and then it’s an uphill battle from there.”

Ramsdale has earned praise from the likes of Rio Ferdinand this season, but he was unable to prevent Arsenal slipping to a very disappointing defeat last night.

It is all about how Arsenal respond. Their fate is still in their hands so if they do not panic against Newcastle or Everton, then it’s job done.

But Spurs have to hope the manner of last night’s defeat pushes Arsenal into a spiral, with the fans getting on their back perhaps.

Ramsdale criticises referee Tierney here but he also has to acknowledge that the Gunners were second best on the night and the result was a deserved one.