Former referee reveals whether Tottenham should have been down to 10 men vs Brighton

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Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, has revealed whether one Spurs star could have been sent off for his antics in the second half of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Brighton.

Ahead of the game against Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi demanded more goals and assists from Xavi, and that is exactly what the attacking midfielder delivered.

After setting up Tottenham’s first goal with a sublime through ball in the first-half, Xavi scored what he thought was the match-winner with a brilliant effort on 77 minutes, which went in off the post.

However, the Lilywhites received a bitter blow deep into stoppage time as Georginio Rutter fired home to ensure that Spurs remained in the relegation zone.

Keith Hackett says Xavi Simons never risked red card with Tottenham celebrations

After scoring Tottenham’s second, the Netherlands international took off his shirt and flung himself into the jubilant Spurs fans in the South Stand before being mobbed by his teammates.

Both taking off your shirt and celebrating with the crowd are considered yellow card offences, but the Spurs midfielder only recieved one caution instead of two.

When asked if Simons was in danger of receiving two yellows for his celebration, Hackett told Football Insider: “The law doesn’t give you two yellows in that situation. You pick the defining one, and therefore, a sending off is out of the question.

“Where a player removes his shirt, under the laws of the game, it seems harsh, but the reality is that in certain parts of the world, it’s unacceptable.

“More seriously, when players go towards the crowd, there is a risk of a surge. That surge can put younger spectators at risk. “It’s not a double yellow. That wouldn’t be in the law, but would definitely be a caution for the removal of his shirt.”

Spurs legend was not impressed with Xavi’s celebration

De Zerbi was full of praise for Xavi for his performance against Brighton, but one former Tottenham striker did not like what the 22-year-old did after scoring.

Les Ferdinand admitted that he was baffled to see Xavi and his Tottenham teammates celebrating wildly when the home side netted their second against the Segulls.

The pundit admitted that he was worried about a potential lapse in concentration for the Lilywhites, given how much time was left on the clock, and his fears were proven right as Kevin Danso made an unforced error in stoppage time to throw away two points.