It has been revealed why Tomas Soucek was sent off during West Ham’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Saturday evening. The 30-year-old midfielder was given his marching orders shortly after the break following a challenge on Joao Palhinha.
Jarred Gillett brandished the red card, and Soucek left the field. The Video Assistant Referee, John Brooks, and his assistant, Natalie Aspinall, quickly reviewed the incident at Stockley Park, confirming the on-field decision.
An official statement from the Premier League Match Centre on X, formerly known as Twitter, reads: “The referee’s call of red card to Soucek for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR, with the contact deemed to be high on the shin which endangered the safety of the opponent.”
A few moments later, Tottenham doubled their lead through Lucas Bergvall, who latched onto a delightfully lofted pass from Cristian Romero. The 19-year-old midfielder, who marked his 50th appearance with a goal, leapt above his marker and headed the ball over Mads Hermansen.
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Before Pape Matar Sarr broke the deadlock on the brink of half-time, Spurs had a goal ruled out. Micky van de Ven, who later went on to score the Lilywhites’ third of the evening, was adjudged to have fouled Kyle Walker-Peters during a corner.
Romero leapt above his marker and headed the ball into the top right corner. Unfortunately for the Tottenham captain, his goal was chalked off.
On X, the Premier League Match Centre said: “The referee’s call of no goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that van de Ven pushed Walker-Peters in the back and impacted his ability to play the ball.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of the London derby, Thomas Frank described West Ham as ‘extremely difficult’ opposition. The Spurs boss said: “Very excited, I know it means a lot for the fans.
“We will go there and do everything we can to, of course try to win the game. I think we’re facing a West Ham team which I think maybe didn’t have the best start. I think they got a very good win against Nottingham, and I think they did well.
“I think they’ve got some top players. I’ve known Graeme Potter for years, and I’ve followed his fantastic work all the way from Sweden to Swansea to Brighton to Chelsea to now here. So big respect for him and his staff.
“I know it will be difficult, and I know this game tomorrow will be extremely difficult because no matter if West Ham were top of the league or bottom of the league or middle of the league, this game will just make them raise their level.
“So I expect an extremely difficult game, but we’ll be ready for it and we’re ready to attack.”
Frank will quickly turn his attention to Tuesday night when Tottenham take on Villarreal in the Champions League. The Lilywhites will host the La Liga outfit in north London as they look to start the campaign on the right foot.
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