Calls for Heung-min Son ‘to be reported to the FA’ after his Man City actions
Keith Hackett, a former Premier League referee, expressed his disapproval of Heung-min Son’s actions following Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester City and suggested that the South Korean’s behavior might be reported to the FA.
The controversial match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for City, saw referee Jarred Gillet make several key decisions, including ruling out Erling Haaland’s late goal for handball. While the ruling sparked debate, the defending champions held firm, securing the win despite heavy pressure from Spurs in the second half.
After the final whistle, Son and Brennan Johnson engaged in an intense discussion with Gillet, though the exact nature of their conversation remains unclear. Hackett, however, criticized the manner in which Son confronted the referee, arguing that he should have received a yellow card for his protests.
He speculated that the Tottenham captain was likely disputing the amount of injury time added and stated that he would like to see the incident included in the referee’s report.
Hackett praised Gillet’s officiating, noting that the referee delivered strong performances in consecutive matches. He highlighted Gillet’s movement, his ability to maintain close contact with play, and his confident decision-making.
While acknowledging the controversy surrounding the disallowed goal, Hackett defended the referee’s call, emphasizing that Gillet correctly judged a handball had occurred.
He turned his attention to Tottenham’s response, stating that the players should reflect on their own performance rather than challenge the referee’s decisions.
Hackett specifically called out Son, suggesting that he was fortunate to escape punishment for his prolonged protest. He questioned whether the Tottenham forward had failed to recognize that the goal had already been ruled out and dismissed any complaints about stoppage time, citing Law 5, which grants referees sole authority over timekeeping.
Hackett asserted that Son’s argument lacked substance and expressed his desire to see the Spurs captain booked to reinforce the referee’s authority.
Despite this criticism, Son has maintained an exceptional disciplinary record throughout his decade in the Premier League. He has rarely shown dissent toward officials, and his respectful demeanor has been a hallmark of his career.
Even if Gillet includes the incident in his match report, the FA will likely consider Son’s clean record before taking any action.
The fact that he was not booked suggests that he refrained from using offensive or abusive language, even if his body language appeared animated. Given his history, any potential repercussions from this incident would likely be minimal.
As one of the most respected players in English football, Son’s leadership and professionalism have rarely been questioned. His reaction following the City defeat may have been fueled by frustration, but it remains unlikely to tarnish his reputation.
Whether or not the FA chooses to review the matter, Son’s conduct over the years speaks for itself, reinforcing his status as a player who competes with passion while maintaining respect for the game’s officials.