{
  "id": 16345739,
  "title": "Spurs boss Ho wants 'more support and training' for WSL referees",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/spurs-boss-ho-wants-more-support-and-training-for-wsl-referees",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-24T16:34:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/spurs-boss-ho-wants-more-163458736.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tottenham manager Martin Ho has called for improved support and training for Women's Super League (WSL) referees after a controversial penalty decision in their recent derby defeat to Arsenal. The game's outcome was determined by Alessia Russo's penalty kick in the 56th minute, awarded following a controversial incident involving Lisa Baum's shot and Cathinka Tandberg's clearance. Ho contends that under the current rules, this should have been an indirect free-kick, not a penalty, as the ball hit a team-mate's hand after being played by another team-mate, with the latter being just one yard away. The referee in charge, Phoebe Cross, could not provide a satisfactory explanation during the match, leaving Ho frustrated and seeking further clarification. Ho expressed his concerns about the standards of WSL refereeing, stating that they have worsened compared to the previous season, particularly in the absence of video assistant referees (VAR) or goalline technology. He suggested that the issue lies in the limited availability of full-time referees, with the current arrangement preventing them from attending more matches. Ho believes that providing more support, training, and full-time commitment to WSL referees would lead to improved decision-making and reduced controversy in games.",
  "summary": "Tottenham manager Martin Ho was frustrated by a penalty decision in their defeat by Arsenal and says Women's Super League referees \"need more support\".",
  "key_points": [
    "Tottenham manager Martin Ho calls for better support and training for WSL referees.",
    "Controversial penalty decision in recent derby defeat to Arsenal attributed to Alessia Russo's kick.",
    "Ho believes improved support and full-time commitment would enhance WSL refereeing standards."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Spurs boss Ho wants 'more support and training' for WSL referees",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/spurs-boss-ho-wants-more-support-and-training-for-wsl-referees-16351389",
        "published": "2026-10-24T16:27:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}