Ange Postecoglou reveals details of PGMOL exchange as Tottenham left disappointed in quest for clarification

Spurs uncertain over official guidelines on obstructing goalkeepers in the area after Guglielmo Vicario’s recent struggles
Marc Mayo2 May 2024

Tottenham remain in the dark over the current guidelines for obstructing goalkeepers in the box despite a request for clarification from PGMOL, according to Ange Postecoglou.

Guglielmo Vicario has struggled to deal with set plays at times during his first season in north London and Spurs were undone by two Arsenal crosses into the box during last weekend’s north London derby.

While Postecoglou has insisted he has no issues with Ben White’s antics to try and put Vicario off, he admitted his confusion at what is and isn’t deemed acceptable by Premier League officials.

And a move to clarify the matter with the referees’ body has not led to any greater certainty.

“We seek clarification in case certain things have changed,” he told reporters ahead of Thursday’s game against Chelsea.

“You never know. We just wanted some clarity on what the actual position is on interference on the goalkeeper.

“I’m ancient, mate, but I always thought that the goalkeeper was a bit of a protected species. Maybe that’s shifted now and I missed the memo.”

Postecoglou was asked if Spurs had received any clarity in their exchanges with PGMOL, to which he replied: “No, not really.”

The Swedish top flight has made headlines recently amid its continued refusal to adopt VAR, a system which continues to attract criticism from many across English and European football.

Spurs boss Postecoglou stated that he has plenty of changes in mind for VAR, or remarked that he could alternatively simply move to Sweden.

“Yeah, I’m moving there,” joked the Australian. “I don’t have a job, I’m just moving there.”

On VAR, he continued: “I’d change a hell of a lot on it. I’ve said before that I think it’s changed the game materially, which I don’t think was the intention when it was brought in.”

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