Looks like the 5th official told the ref that Defoe had fouled the player laid on the floor, once the ball was in the net. The ref had obviously missed it. As Defoe had fouled him they got the decision right in the end but didn't half f**k about reaching it!!
It doesn't much matter why he gave it - it was definitely a foul by Defoe. Actually he jumped in and should have been sent off probably
Apart from the 5-0 thrashing of Hearts we have struggled to find any rhythm in this competition. Modric scored in the 39th minute so we had ample time to come back and win it and we had the chances. Harry always thought this was an inconvenience anyway. On the dark side we are now running out of competitions. I don't expect a huge win against Shamrock and Rubin to lose heavily so goodbye Europe for this season.
Well that was ****, wasn't it? Reminded me of a lot of games last season, where a team would defend deep and we'd pass it around all day, failing to create anything. Nice time for the extra official to decide to be the first to actually do anything, too. I think that we deserved that, though. We underestimated this competition and we've almost certainly paid the price for it.
Anyway maybe a blessing,the further we'd got the more the 1st team would've had to played. But well played PAOK they came for the win and wanted it more.
This competition is only any good if you win it and with the teams we've been putting out there's no way we could have got past another round without playing our 1st team.So for me it's a shame to go out(almost out), but not the end of the world a win against Bolton is far more important.
Hate to lose, but on balance I guess it's for the best. I could see the Europa Leage sucking up more and more of the starters' time, and the priority has to be the Prem. Have to say I thought Defoe did commit a foul, but the officials handled it putridly. You look like buffoons when you decide to award the foul only after a goal is scored. Well, good game PAOK. Outplayed us in the first half and worked hard to hang on.
Surely there comes a point when you can't bring the ball back for a previous foul? Anyway it was the correct decision, regardless of how long it took to come to. Perhaps these officials should use their baton thing and headsets so that they can communicate with them without waiting 10 seconds to start shouting at them. Disappointing result and to be out of the Europa League. I always say when a decision goes against you that if you don't play well enough to win, you shouldn't complain and today too many of our experienced players were well below par.
I was curious to see, after watching the match, how blinkered and partisan some football fans are and there are some who have commented on here. I am a "neutral" for real. The Ref missed anything that went on prior to the goal being scored. The lino did the same. The 5th Official clearly saw an offence and informed the Ref which is why he is there. There is no doubt that Defoe committed a foul on the prone player and if the Ref had seen it there is every chance that Defoe would have been red carded. He went in, not with malice in my view, with studs showing and was late arriving. Every day in the premiership that would have been a red. Spurs only have themselves to blame for losing this one. They were asleep at the start and defending was what I'm used to seeing not what you are at White Hart Lane. They played two thirds of the match against 10 men and passed and passed the ball with little effort in front of goal until the last 15 minutes. It was then desperation time and again and again players picked the wrong pass. Easy to see from your armchair I know but these are highly paid professionals. You have to give credit to the opposition who played as if it was life or death towards the end. Sorry but I don't think Spurs deserved this one as entertaining as the game was.
At least it's emphasised that we need to sort out certain aspects of our squad. Defoe doesn't appear to be able to play up front without some serious help, for a start. Could we need to bring in two strikers in the January window? Bit much, possibly.
Yes Pats but a defeat always leaves me a little insecure about the next match. So it's wait and see. I'm off back to Italy anyway....cheers.
