‘I was surprised’: Postecoglou left shocked by what the referee did during Tottenham’s win over Frankfurt

Tottenham Hotspur have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League after a hard-fought victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, offering fans a rare moment of joy in an otherwise disappointing season.

Spurs supporters have endured a turbulent campaign, with dismal performances in the Premier League leaving the club adrift of their ambitions, while their exits from both domestic cup competitions only deepened the frustration. The Europa League quickly became Tottenham’s only realistic path to success, and their two-legged tie against Frankfurt was delicately poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Manager Ange Postecoglou knew the pressure was immense heading into the decisive second leg, and he leaned heavily on his players to deliver when it mattered most.

The breakthrough came thanks to James Maddison, who showed tremendous bravery and determination by winning a crucial penalty after being clattered by Frankfurt’s Kaua Santos. The foul left Maddison in clear discomfort, yet he had already done enough to tip the balance in Tottenham’s favor.

Dominic Solanke stepped up with composure to slot home the penalty, putting Spurs ahead and swinging the momentum firmly in their direction.

However, it wasn’t just the penalty itself that became a talking point after the match. Postecoglou admitted he was surprised that the Frankfurt goalkeeper remained on the pitch after the challenge on Maddison. Speaking to reporters, he praised Maddison’s courage and questioned the referee’s decision, stating that he had expected a red card for the dangerous tackle.

He expressed admiration for Maddison’s bravery, explaining that the midfielder knowingly put his body on the line at a critical moment. Despite the severity of the collision, Maddison’s injury was not serious, and Postecoglou confirmed he would recover quickly, although he did acknowledge the player was sore after the impact.

Postecoglou did not hold back when discussing the incident further. He pointed out that the penalty decision itself should have been straightforward and wondered why VAR needed to intervene at all.

In his view, when a player wins the ball and then is clearly fouled in such a reckless manner, the outcome should be obvious. He remarked that if the roles were reversed and a defender had made such a challenge, there would have been little debate about the issuance of a red card.

Ultimately, he was relieved that the correct decision was made in awarding the penalty, emphasizing that Tottenham earned their victory through determination and resilience.

This triumph has breathed new life into Tottenham’s season, with the Europa League now representing a genuine opportunity to secure silverware. Despite their struggles in other competitions, Spurs have positioned themselves as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

Their next challenge comes in the form of Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, a team that has shown promise but lacks the pedigree of Tottenham’s traditional European rivals. Over two legs, Tottenham’s quality and experience should give them the edge, provided they maintain their focus and avoid complacency.

Should Spurs overcome Bodo/Glimt, a final against either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao awaits. Both potential opponents present significant challenges, albeit in different ways.

Manchester United, like Tottenham, have endured an erratic season full of inconsistencies and disappointing results. Their struggles have been well-documented, and while they remain a dangerous side on their day, they hardly seem an insurmountable obstacle.

Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, might pose a sterner test. Sitting fourth in La Liga, the Spanish side has impressed throughout the campaign and has lost only twice in the Europa League so far.

Their combination of technical ability, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit makes them a formidable opponent, and if Tottenham are to meet them in the final, they will need to be at their absolute best.

Even so, there is no reason for Spurs to doubt themselves. The opportunity is there, and with the right mindset and a bit of fortune, they could claim a major European honor for the first time in decades.

Postecoglou has spoken often about the importance of winning silverware early in his tenure, and while his comments about winning a trophy in his second season have sometimes been used against him, he now has a real chance to turn words into action.

This Europa League run could be transformative, not just for the current campaign, but for the long-term trajectory of the club. Winning a major tournament would not only validate Postecoglou’s methods but also reestablish Tottenham as a serious force in European football.

The road to glory is never easy, and Spurs still have much work to do. Yet, after a season filled with disappointment and frustration, this Europa League journey offers hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path back to the light. Tottenham’s players, staff, and supporters will dare to believe again, knowing that the dream of lifting a trophy is alive and within reach.