Glenn Hoddle explained exactly why Xavi Simons' early strike for Tottenham against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League was disallowed on Wednesday evening. The Dutch midfielder slotted home from close range just two minutes into the match at the Deutsche Bank Park, latching onto a rebounded effort from Destiny Udogie's original attempt.
Yet, jubilation among the travelling supporters proved premature, as VAR stepped in to examine the passage of play meticulously. Ultimately, Udogie was deemed to be in an offside position following his initial run beyond Frankfurt's defensive line, with referee Jesus Gil Manzano subsequently awarding a free-kick to the hosts.
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Hoddle, providing co-commentary for TNT Sports during the fixture, was swift to offer his assessment of the decision, regardless of the official outcome as Thomas Frank vented his frustration on the side of the pitch.
He said: "I think they are saying it was a foul. He was in an offside position, but just there he has pulled his arm back. He [Frank] hasn't seen the foul, but it was a foul. He was interfering with play."
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This development arrives as Frank faces mounting pressure to reverse Spurs' fortunes in the coming weeks, with supporters becoming increasingly frustrated by the team's declining league form.
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Whilst Spurs entered their clash with Frankfurt sitting fifth in the European competition's standings, their Premier League form presents a stark contrast, the north London side are languishing in 14th position in England's top division.
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However, speaking on TNT Sports before Wednesday evening's fixture, Joe Cole claimed that Frank shouldn't shoulder sole blame for an exceptionally difficult spell at Tottenham.
He said: "We were talking off-air there, and I really feel for Thomas Frank. Daniel Levy's left, who knew everything at that club, everything went through him; he chose the spoons in the kitchen.
"So it's a real mess at the moment, and the fans are still calling for change, but where do you want to change it to? They won't win trophies, think it's one or two in 30, 40 years.
"They want to play like this, then they don't want to play like that, and Thomas Frank is just the front man. Just give him time, let him do his thing; he did it at Brentford.
"He did it at his previous club, where he built something, and he's in the middle of a firestorm at the moment. Everything is coming on Thomas Frank, but I think the dressing room at Spurs really needs addressing.
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"Some of the behaviour from the players towards Thomas Frank and their own fans and some of the stuff online and all that nonsense, I just think that's the problem at Tottenham, it's not Thomas Frank."