De Zerbi focuses on Spurs' failings - but should Bogle have seen red?

Roberto de Zerbi took a relatively peaceful approach when facing the media following Tottenham's 1-0 defeat by Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. This was considered surprising by Yahoo Sports, as the manager had been expected to criticize the officials following the side's first Premier League loss since September.

The match saw significant scrutiny regarding referee John Brooks' decision not to send off Jayden Bogle for a late challenge on Mathys Tel during the first half. Following a video assistant referee check lasting more than four minutes, no further action was taken against the Leeds defender, though Tel was forced to leave the game due to a bruising injury to his left foot. Yahoo Sports noted that Tottenham were arguably the superior team when the challenge occurred while the score was still goalless.

Commenting on the incident, former Premier League assistant referee Darren McCann told BBC Sport that Bogle was fortunate not to be dismissed. McCann stated the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play because it endangered the safety of an opponent.

Brief written by urgent.news from BBC Sport, Yahoo Sports, BBC Sport Football — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.