Spurs boss Ho wants 'more support and training' for WSL referees

What the report says

Tottenham manager Martin Ho has called for more support and training for Women’s Super League referees after his side’s 2-1 derby defeat by Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match was decided by Alessia Russo’s second-half penalty, awarded after a shot hit the post and then deflected onto Spurs defender Ella Morris’ arm. Ho argued the decision did not fit his understanding of the law, saying he had expected time and distance to be taken into account when the ball came from a team-mate’s clearance.

Ho said he wanted to discuss the incident with officials after the game and stressed that he would be more accepting of decisions if he could understand the reasoning behind them. While he acknowledged refereeing is difficult, he said WSL standards have worsened compared with last season. He also suggested the league needs more full-time officials and stronger development support.

The BBC report noted that the WSL does not currently use VAR or goal-line technology, and not all referees are full-time. That wider context has contributed to ongoing debate about consistency in officiating. Ho’s comments came after another high-profile match in which a key decision shaped the result, leaving Tottenham one point ahead of Arsenal in the league table.