Martin Ho calls for more referee support after disputed WSL derby penalty

Tottenham manager Martin Ho has called for greater support, more training and more full-time referees in the Women's Super League after his side's 2-1 derby defeat by Arsenal. According to BBC Sport, Ho questioned the penalty that decided Saturday's match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while acknowledging the difficulties officials face in doing their jobs.

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Alessia Russo converted the decisive spot-kick in the 56th minute. Referee Phoebe Cross awarded it after Lisa Baum's attempt struck the post and Cathinka Tandberg's attempted clearance hit the outstretched hand of Tottenham team-mate Ella Morris. Ho disputed the decision on the grounds that the ball had been played by a team-mate from close range.

Ho said his understanding from a referees' meeting before the season was that time and distance should be considered in that situation. He said he had asked the officials for an explanation on the pitch without receiving an answer and intended to speak with them after the match. His comments reflected his interpretation of the incident and the guidance clubs had received.

The Tottenham manager also criticised what he regarded as inconsistency in disciplinary decisions, citing two first-half bookings for his team and challenges by Arsenal players that he believed went unpunished. He questioned why Lisa Benn, whom he described as an elite referee, had been assigned a role beside the pitch rather than refereeing the derby herself. Those criticisms formed part of his wider request for investment in officiating.

BBC Sport reported that the WSL currently operates without video assistant referees or goalline technology, and that not all its officials work full-time. The report also cited earlier Guardian reporting that the introduction of full-time WSL referees was expected to wait until 2029, despite an increase in funding. Ho argued that officials needed additional resources and training to improve standards.

Separately, BBC Sport reported that Pro Ref, the body overseeing match officials in England, was working with WSL Football and the Football Association on plans to professionalise officiating in the women's game. Clubs had been informed of the approach and agreed to it at their latest shareholders' meeting. Additional funding agreed for the next three years covers officiating alongside coaching development, performance analysis and medical support.