Thomas Frank is fortunate to still have one of his stars available after a Tottenham player confronted Michael Salisbury at full-time against Wolves.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee should have reasserted his authority after being questioned in the centre circle.
Thomas Frank has helped supporters forget about Ange Postecoglou, with Spurs currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table after six matches, including three victories.
Tottenham want to sign Joao Palhinha permanently, and it was the midfielder who secured a draw against the Old Gold with a 94th-minute strike in North London on Saturday, 27 September.
However, the Portuguese midfielder might have been lucky not to have been banned after arguing with the referee over an incident during the game.
Joao Palhinha argues over Tottenham controversy vs Wolves
In the 43rd minute, Palhinha was caught in the chest by Marshall Munetsi right on the edge of Wolves‘ penalty area, with the Spurs midfielder adamant that a spot-kick should have been awarded.
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Salisbury was quick to wave away the shouts, and with play getting back underway as soon as Palhinha was on his feet, VAR also chose not to get involved over the controversial incident.
Clearly upset by Salisbury’s decision, he approached the referee at full-time, and after being told to leave multiple times, Frank was forced to drag his goalscorer away and off the pitch.
Given that the 30-year-old was already on a yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebration of his equaliser, there is every chance that he could have picked up another, and therefore, a red card.
Michael Salisbury should have ‘reasserted his authority’ over Joao Palhinha
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the player’s reaction to not being awarded a penalty, the former referee said: “I think that’s just part of football. It’s not reckless, it’s not careless, it’s just a piece of football action. I wouldn’t expect a penalty to be awarded in that incident.
“What we’re not seeing is this new law that was promised in relation to captains only being able to talk to referees. I know there’s a loose interpretation there.
“Players are allowed to ask questions, but it’s about how you ask the question. If it becomes too public, by running towards the referee, waving your arms, or showing disgust, that guy is then questioning the authority of the referee.
“The referee should then reassert his authority. He must now decide if a yellow card is awarded. Has this player crossed the threshold of satisfying dissent? I think he’s lucky to escape a sanction for dissent.”