The North London derby has produced plenty of unforgettable moments over the years, but one incident involving former Tottenham striker Harry Kane in 2019 remains particularly awkward.
During a heated 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Kane went to ground after a challenge from Sokratis Papastathopoulos in the closing stages of the match. Arsenal supporters immediately protested, believing the England striker had tried to win a penalty unfairly.
The referee refused to award a spot-kick and did not book Kane for simulation. However, the incident became a major talking point after the final whistle.
KANE WAS FORCED TO WATCH THE INCIDENT BACK 😳📺
The most uncomfortable moment came during Kane’s post-match interview with Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves.
When asked whether he believed a penalty should have been awarded, Kane suggested that he needed to watch the incident again.
But the reporter quickly arranged for the footage to be replayed on a television directly in front of him, forcing the Tottenham forward to watch the controversial moment all over again.
Kane then attempted to explain his actions, arguing that he was trying to protect the ball and that the defender had made a tired challenge.
He admitted that such incidents could go either way, saying the referee might have interpreted his actions as an attempt to win a penalty.
FOOTBALL PUNDITS DIDN’T AGREE WITH KANE 🤯
Several former players and pundits were unconvinced by the striker’s explanation.
Gary Neville described the incident as essentially a dive, while Jamie Redknapp suggested Kane was looking for a penalty and knew how to use his body to his advantage.
Graeme Souness also insisted that a penalty was not deserved, believing the striker had tried to deceive the referee.
Even José Mourinho, who would later become Kane’s manager at Tottenham, felt it was not a penalty, although he acknowledged that similar incidents had sometimes been given.
Ultimately, Kane escaped a booking, but the awkward live-TV replay became one of the most memorable moments from that particular North London derby.
Whether it was a genuine attempt to shield the ball or an effort to win a penalty, the incident continues to spark debate among football fans. 👀⚽
