The PGMOL has decided to release a statement in an attempt to clarify why Tottenham Hotspur were awarded a penalty against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
During the closing stages of the Premier League fixture at Anfield, Spurs forward Harry Kane was brought down inside the penalty area by goalkeeper Loris Karius, despite appearing to be in an offside position during the first phase of play before Dejan Lovren miscued an interception into his path.
Both referee Jon Moss and assistant Eddie Smart were criticised by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for not giving offside, but former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has praised the duo for awarding what was the correct decision.
There was confusion relating to comments made by both Moss and Smart during an exchange picked up by microphone, but the PGMOL has moved to explain the process that the two officials went through before making a decision.
A statement read: "Jon Moss was in a good position to see that a Liverpool player deliberately played the ball before it fell to Harry Kane in the penalty area.
"He then correctly judged that Kane was fouled by Loris Karius. However, given the speed of the attack he was uncertain of the identity of the Liverpool player who kicked the ball.
"His question created some momentary confusion when Eddie asked if "Lovren" had touched the ball. Moss knew a Liverpool player had touched the ball but not that it was Lovren.
"He then asked a question to his fourth official Martin Atkinson and acknowledges that referencing 'TV' was misguided."
After the 2-2 draw on Merseyside, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino praised the performances of both Moss and Smart.
Darren Plant
