Ex-FIFA official can’t get head around new Tottenham and Burnley announcement
Tottenham are set to get their 2025-26 Premier League campaign underway against Burnley this coming weekend.
A summer of change has all built up to this weekend, when Tottenham will face newly-promoted Burnley in their Premier League opener.
Scott Parker will make his return to North London with the Clarets as Burnley look to cause an immediate upset in their battle to avoid relegation, though Tottenham will be looking to build on their pre-season and prevent that from being the case.
However, an announcement made ahead of the encounter has left a former PGMOL official baffled.
This articles includes exclusive comment from ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett.
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Michael Oliver set to take charge of Spurs vs Burnley
From Tottenham’s point of view, they will be pleased that Michael Oliver has been announced as the official for their clash with Burnley, given their record when he has been the man with the whistle.
Spurs have won 17 of their 51 encounters where he has been in charge, while only losing 13.
Oliver’s record in charge of Tottenham games.
However, Oliver is also due as VAR for the Liverpool game the night before, leaving Keith Hackett bemused by the decision to appoint him again less than 24 hours later.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “It is important that any athlete should get a good night’s rest before performing on the big stage.
“I am sure that operating in the role of VAR is mentally tiring and demanding, and Oliver will be VAR on the Liverpool game and unlikely to return to his hotel room before midnight.
“If an error of judgment is made, and the outcome of a big decision is wrong. Then it will be in the media on Saturday morning.
“I do not believe that an official should do two appointments in the Premier League on consecutive days for the reasons outlined.”
Thomas Frank needs to get off to a winning start
Burnley are most people’s pick for an immediate relegation, and Tottenham cannot afford to drop points when they host them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs were dreadful domestically last season, and to avoid any of those feelings creeping back into the atmosphere, it is imperative that they get off to a convincing winning start.