By Keith Hackett

17th May, 2023 | 4:04pm

Tottenham news: Ex-Fifa official slams 'diving' Harry Kane as referees told to take new action

Keith Hackett has claimed Tottenham striker Harry Kane “manufactured” the penalty he was awarded during the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa on Saturday (14 May).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee urged officials to “examine” the 29-year-old closer to ensure he is not rewarded for “diving”.

As seen in footage posted to YouTube by Sky Sports (13 May), Kane appealed for a penalty after coming together with Aston Villa’s Martinez inside the 18-yard box.

Referee Peter Bankes initially awarded a corner, feeling Martinez had got to the ball – but VAR official Jarred Gillett recommended an on-field review of the incident.

Replays showed Kane made contact with the ball before receiving the challenge from the Villa keeper, and Bankes awarded a spot-kick.

The England captain scored from 12 yards but Aston Villa held on to record a 2-1 home win – strengthening their case for European football.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “When I saw it, I thought it was a manufactured incident by Kane.

“I’ve talked to referees about this before. Kane knew exactly what he was doing.

“He was using the momentum and he made contact with the Villa goalkeeper, rather than the other way around.

“For me, it wasn’t a penalty kick.

“I think referees have got to get together and start to examine some of the incidents involving Kane, rather than just pointing to the mark every time.

“I think it’s more of a dive than a foul on the goalkeeper.”

In other news, Tottenham plot stunning Wolves double swoop.