Spurs boss Ho wants ‘more support and training’ for WSL referees
Tottenham manager Martin Ho says Women’s Super League referees need more support and training after a disputed handball penalty helped Arsenal beat Spurs 2-1. He believes the decision was not in keeping with guidance officials had given teams earlier in the season, and said it was frustrating that it decided the derby.
Alessia Russo scored from the spot in the 56th minute after Ella Morris handled a clearance from Spurs team-mate Cathinka Tandberg, following a shot that hit the post. Ho said the short distance between the players should have been taken into account, and argued refereeing standards had worsened since last season. The WSL has no VAR or goal-line technology, and some referees are not full-time; Spurs remain one point above Arsenal in the league.
In short
- Ho says WSL referees need more support and training.
- Russo’s penalty settled Arsenal’s 2-1 derby win.
- Spurs are one point above Arsenal in the WSL.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ho’s call for more referee support and training is reasonable because consistent decisions depend on officials having clear, shared guidance and enough preparation, especially in a league without VAR. If the handball ruling differed from what teams had previously been told, reviewing training and communication could help build confidence in future decisions.
The case against
The penalty can also be defended as an application of the handball rules: a player may be penalised for handling the ball even when the distance is short, depending on the circumstances and the arm’s position. A disputed call in a high-pressure derby does not by itself show that standards have declined, and focused criticism after a defeat risks putting undue pressure on officials.