Goals conceded by Guglielmo Vicario from set-pieces led Tottenham to protect the Italy international in a 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday, specifically through James Maddison.
Vicario had caused debate in England following goals conceded from set pieces against Manchester City in the FA Cup and Everton in the Premier League.
Spurs felt Vicario had been fouled before both goals were scored, so they sent evidence to PGMOL asking for clarification from the referees’ association.
However, the North Londoners also took action on the pitch and tasked some of their players with protecting Vicario at set pieces during a home Premier League meeting with Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton on Saturday.
“James Maddison was tasked with getting between whoever was trying to impede the Italian goalkeeper at each set piece and it worked, with the referee even giving some fouls against Brighton from set pieces because the problem was more obvious with Maddison’s intervention,” reported Football London.
“Spurs had sent evidence of recent fouls on Vicario this week to the PGMOL asking for clarification from the referees’ association on the rules surrounding obstructing the goalkeeper and even if it only resulted in more focus on certain situations in their games then it did its job.”
“Perhaps the Tottenham players just needed to be reminded of the need to look out for one another. Maddison looked after Vicario and Richarlison had the midfielder’s back in turn.”
Vicario conceded once against Brighton, but Tottenham eventually secured a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Pape Matar Sarr and a late Brennan Johnson winner.
Vicario, 20, has conceded 37 goals in 26 games across all competitions this season. He was called up three times by new Italy coach Luciano Spalletti but has yet to make his senior debut with the Azzurri.