Tudor Accuses Raul Jimenez Of Cheating After Controversial Fulham Opener Against Tottenham

Add as a preferred source on Google

Igor Tudor condemned Raul Jimenez after Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that deepened Spurs’ relegation worries. Tudor argued that Harry Wilson’s opener should not have stood, insisting Jimenez gained an illegal advantage in the build-up.

Spurs’ anger had already been rising, as Tudor’s side came into the match off a 4-1 loss to Arsenal, where a Tottenham goal was cancelled for a comparable pushing offence. The Fulham defeat therefore increased a sense of inconsistency around key calls.

Wilson struck after seven minutes, finishing a close-range volley following a cross from the right. Tottenham players immediately crowded the officials, claiming Jimenez pushed Radu Dragusin before the ball dropped. VAR checked the incident, yet the on-field decision stayed, and the goal counted.

Tudor reacted angrily on the touchline and kept that stance after the final whistle. Speaking in the post-match press conference, Tudor focused on Jimenez’s role, saying: "It's cheating and a foul," and then expanded his criticism with further comments on the striker’s intentions.

Tudor continued: "He was not thinking about the ball. He was thinking how to cheat. So he cheated, the player pushing, and they scored the goal. The goal is because he [Jimenez]takes advantage, not thinking about football." The Croatian manager stressed the perceived unfair gain.

Tudor also turned his attention towards the officials and their interpretation of contact in decisive moments. Tudor said: "Sometimes they dont understand enough that even small contact gives you an advantage to score the goal. You need to cancel this. It's not about a normal duel when it'ssoft or not, when its a push, with hands. It's just easy to get an advantage."

Recent Premier League results involving Tottenham and these incidents are shown below.

The two matches left Spurs with a growing sense of grievance over physical challenges leading to crucial goals. As Tottenham continue to battle relegation pressure, Tudor’s comments highlight how disputes over contact, VAR use, and attacking advantages are shaping the club’s current narrative.