Women's Super League: Martin Ho 'more' for WSL referee

This statement by Martin Ho could be a turning point for Tottenham, as it could impact their team's performance and future matches. If refereeing standards do not improve, it could impact Tottenham's season outlook, especially as they compete against other Women's Super League clubs.

Why it matters

This statement by Martin Ho gives rise to an important discussion on the standards of refereeing in the Women's Super League. The controversial penalty decision against Arsenal not only affected the outcome of the match for Tottenham, but it also highlights the need for training and support of the league's referees. This issue could become a permanent concern for Women's Super League clubs, especially since technical support such as VAR is lacking.

Key points

• Women's Super League: Martin Ho 'more' for WSL referee.
• Tottenham manager Martin Ho has expressed his disappointment at the controversial penalty decision against Arsenal in the Women's Super League. He called for more support and training for referees.
• Women's Super League: Martin Ho wants 'more support' for WSL referees - BBC Sport.

Tottenham manager Martin Ho has spoken of the need for "more support" for Women's Super League (WSL) referees after he expressed his frustration at a controversial penalty decision during the defeat to Arsenal. In Saturday's 2–1 defeat against the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Alessia Russo's penalty decided the outcome of the match. Referee Phoebe Cross made the decision after Lisa Baum's shot hit the post and Kathinka Tandberg's clearance hit Tottenham teammate Ella Morris. According to the rules, if the ball is played by a teammate and then hits a hand, a penalty should not be awarded.

Martin Ho said, "My interpretation of the rules is that if your teammate has hit it and he is a yard away, the time and distance should be taken into account and it should not be a penalty. This was told to us in the referees meeting. I questioned 'How can this be a penalty from this distance?' They could not find the answer on the field. I said I'd come over to talk to them after the game because I wanted to understand what they were seeing. Then I will be able to accept that decision. When this decision decides the outcome of the game, it is disappointing because it does not fall within the rules of the game."

Ho also acknowledged that the work for WSL referees is difficult, but said the standard has "worsened" over the past year. Currently, the WSL does not use video assistant referees (VAR) or goalline technology, and not all officials are full-time.

Earlier this month, the Guardian reported that the wait for full-time WSL referees would continue until 2029, despite recent financial support. When asked how standards could improve, Ho said, "They need more support and more full-time referees. I understand there's probably a rule whereby they can't have more than one match a weekend and that's nothing against any referees, but they had a key referee (Lisa Benn) on the sidelines of the field. For a big game, she needs to be in the middle. I think that's where they need more support and more training." "There's a lot of controversy when you look at most of the games. We got two bookings in the first half, but we got shirts pulled by Arsenal players and we got nothing. That's probably the disappointing part."

It is understood that Pro Ref – the official body responsible for the management and development of match officials in England – is working closely with WSL Football and the Football Association to ensure a plan for the professionalisation of officials in the women's game. Clubs have been informed of this approach and it was agreed at the recent WSL shareholders' meeting. Additional funding has been agreed over the next three years to strengthen a number of areas in the women's game including coaching development, performance analysis and medical support in addition to officials.

What will happen next

Tottenham manager Martin Ho plans to speak with the referee so he can understand the reasoning behind the decision. As a result of this conversation, steps may be taken towards improving the standards of refereeing in the Women's Super League. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see if other Women's Super League clubs also raise their voice on this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Tottenham and Arsenal?

Tottenham lost 2-1 against Arsenal.

What was the impact on the Women's Super League table after this match?

No information about tables or standings is given in this article.

What is Tottenham's upcoming match?

This article does not contain any information about Tottenham's next match.

What did Martin Ho say about the referee?

Martin Ho calls for 'more support' for WSL referees and says standards have worsened compared to last year

Somewhere.

What was the reaction of the Tottenham manager to the penalty decision against Arsenal?

Martin Ho expressed disappointment at the penalty decision and said it did not fall within the rules.

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