Tottenham are reportedly preparing to lodge a complaint with refereeing body Pro Ref after Jayden Bogle escaped a red card for a challenge on Mathys Tel during Leeds' 1-0 win at Elland Road on Saturday.
Bogle's tackle on Tel, which forced the Spurs forward to be substituted, was checked by VAR but did not result in a red card. BBC Sport report that the club are ready to formally complain about the decision involving the Leeds right-back.
De Zerbi criticises players after defeat
Despite the controversial officiating, head coach Roberto De Zerbi focused his frustration on his own squad rather than the match officials. The defeat ended a run of consecutive victories against Coventry City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, with Noah Okafor scoring the winner in the 79th minute.
De Zerbi said: "We won no duels, no one-to-ones. There was space to play and we didn't take the right decisions. We didn't show personality or what we are, who we are. It's a part of the journey. It's not an excuse and it can be normal in football but we have to be honest."
He added: "If you are not honest today the future is not good. If we analyse our second-half behaviour honestly then I think we can become a top team. We have the physicality and the quality but it's not just about the physicality game. We didn't show character, personality or courage."
Referee decision questioned
On referee John Brooks' decision not to send off Bogle, De Zerbi said: "I was surprised because in the same position in the second half there were two different fouls, the yellow card for Pedro Porro is not possible. I don't know if it is a red card or not on Mathys Tel but the parameter of the referee was not good enough for this in both situations."
The defeat leaves Tottenham in 10th position in the league. De Zerbi acknowledged his side may not yet be ready for consistency, saying: "My players have the ability to come here, play better and maybe win. But maybe we are not ready yet to be consistent for many games in a row. We know where we have to work and improve."
