Tottenham Hotspur’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday was already painful enough for the home supporters, but the fallout from one late first-half incident has only added to the frustration and debate around the club.
Djed Spence found himself at the centre of controversy after going to ground inside the Liverpool penalty area, an action that has since drawn strong criticism from pundits and former officials alike.
The moment came just before half-time when Spence and Liverpool defender Conor Bradley became entangled inside the box. As the ball broke loose and Spurs pushed forward, a roar went up around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with many fans convinced their side should have been awarded a penalty.
The referee waved play on, VAR saw no reason to intervene, and the game continued. However, replays and post-match analysis have painted the incident in a far less flattering light for the Tottenham full-back.
Former Arsenal striker and respected pundit Ian Wright did not hold back in his assessment. Watching the replay, Wright made it clear he believed Spence had deliberately gone looking for contact rather than trying to play the ball.
In his view, the England international knew he was running out of space and options, and instead of accepting that the move had broken down, he chose to fall under minimal contact in the hope of winning a penalty. Wright described the incident as a blatant dive, suggesting there was never a genuine attempt to beat the defender.
According to Wright, Spence had already lost control of the situation. Another Liverpool player was closing in from behind, Bradley had positioned himself well, and there was little chance of Tottenham retaining possession in a dangerous area.
The decision to go down, in Wright’s eyes, was calculated rather than instinctive, designed to deceive the referee rather than to play football.
The criticism did not stop there. Former Premier League referee and ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett weighed in on the issue, pointing out that incidents like this have become increasingly common in modern football.
Hackett explained that players often feel there is little risk in going to ground because the consequences are minimal. At worst, play continues. At best, they win a penalty or force VAR into a lengthy review that puts pressure on officials.
Hackett believes this trend will only continue unless authorities take firmer action. He suggested that football’s lawmakers should seriously consider introducing retrospective punishment for clear cases of simulation.
In his view, diving to deceive referees undermines the integrity of the game and places officials in an almost impossible position, especially when decisions are being scrutinised frame by frame after the final whistle.
For Spence, the incident is an unfortunate blemish during a period where his performances had generally been on the up. He has shown flashes of quality in recent weeks, offering energy and attacking intent down the flank.
However, moments like this risk overshadowing that progress and drawing attention away from his football for the wrong reasons. It is not the type of highlight any player wants associated with their name.
The situation also adds further pressure on Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who is already facing growing scrutiny in North London. Spurs find themselves stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table after 17 matches, a position that few would have predicted at the start of the season.
While there were signs of promise early on, results have dipped sharply, and confidence appears fragile.
Tottenham have now won just one of their last eight league games, a run that has inevitably sparked conversations among supporters about the club’s direction and Frank’s long-term future.
Some fans have voiced concerns over the team’s defensive setup, arguing that it has made Spurs too cautious and predictable in key matches. Others believe discipline and decision-making on the pitch have let the side down at crucial moments.
The Liverpool defeat only added fuel to the fire. Spurs not only lost the match, but they also saw Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero sent off, leaving Frank furious on the touchline and severely limiting his options. In that context, seeing one of his players accused of simulation will do little to ease the manager’s frustration.
As Tottenham search for answers, incidents like Spence’s fall in the box highlight the fine margins that can define matches and seasons. Whether authorities choose to act more firmly on simulation remains to be seen, but the debate is unlikely to disappear.
For now, Spurs are left reflecting on another defeat, another controversy, and a growing sense that things need to change quickly if their season is to be salvaged.
