“Scandulous” – Martin Allen fumes at what he saw on TNT during West Ham defeat v Tottenham, it shouldn’t have been allowed
Martin Allen has unleashed a scathing critique of TNT Sports, labeling the network’s decision as “ridiculous” for not including him—or any West Ham United-associated figure—on the punditry panel for the club’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. The West Ham icon, known for his no-nonsense attitude and fierce loyalty to his former club, was clearly frustrated with the broadcaster’s choice to rely solely on pundits with a Tottenham connection.
The panel for the game included well-known figures such as Les Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, and Peter Crouch—all of whom have deep ties to Spurs. For Allen, this lack of balance in perspectives seemed an injustice to West Ham supporters, who were left without a representative voice to speak on behalf of their team during what turned out to be a brutal second half. According to Allen, his presence—or that of another West Ham-centric figure—could have added much-needed diversity to the discussion, offering insights from a different angle.
The match itself saw West Ham start strongly, taking the lead in the 18th minute. However, Julen Lopetegui’s side could not hold on, as they crumbled under pressure in the second half. Tottenham came back with a vengeance, netting four goals to complete a resounding 4-1 victory. The collapse was compounded by the sending off of Mohammed Kudus, West Ham’s goalscorer, for violent conduct late in the game. The red card not only sealed the team’s fate on the day but also ensured they would be without Kudus for upcoming fixtures due to suspension.
Disappointed with how the match unfolded and TNT Sports’ coverage of it, Allen took to social media to express his frustration. On 19 October, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “TNT TV people only got Spursy people on the panel. Ridiculous. Should av (have) me on there [giving] it plenty!!!!” Allen’s post resonated with many West Ham supporters, who shared his belief that the coverage was skewed in favor of Tottenham, leaving their club underrepresented.
West Ham’s Collapse Draws Fan Fury
For West Ham supporters, the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was nothing short of a nightmare. After a promising first half in which they managed to hold their own and even take a one-goal lead, everything unraveled in the latter stages. Defensive errors, poor decision-making, and a lack of composure under pressure allowed Tottenham to run riot and claim a comprehensive victory.
Allen’s comments about the TNT panel reflect a deeper frustration among West Ham fans. The absence of any representation from their club on the punditry team felt like a snub. With Tottenham-affiliated pundits dominating the discussion, there was little focus on West Ham’s efforts or the mistakes that cost them the game. For Allen, his experience as a former West Ham midfielder, combined with his fiery personality, would have made him an ideal candidate to offer pointed analysis and critique, something sorely missing from the coverage.
From the 18th minute until the 36th, West Ham gave a good account of themselves. They defended resolutely and even looked like they could snatch a result. However, the turning point came when Tottenham equalized just before halftime, which seemed to unsettle West Ham’s rhythm. The second half was a completely different story, with West Ham’s defense falling apart under sustained pressure from Spurs’ attack. A series of poor defensive decisions, combined with Kudus’ unnecessary red card, turned what could have been a respectable point into a humiliating defeat.
A Missed Opportunity for Balanced Commentary
Had Allen been part of the punditry team, his no-holds-barred approach would have added a much-needed layer of critique. While Les Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, and Peter Crouch all have deep ties to Tottenham, their analysis naturally leaned towards praising the hosts’ performance. What was missing was a voice that could speak to West Ham’s failings, analyze where things went wrong, and give fans a balanced view of the game.
Allen’s fiery persona could have been the perfect counterbalance to the Spurs-heavy panel, offering insights into West Ham’s struggles in defense, their decision-making errors, and perhaps even pointing out how the team could have avoided such a dramatic collapse. His knowledge of the club’s culture and his own experience as a player might have provided a perspective that resonated with West Ham fans, who were left reeling from the defeat.
The exclusion of any West Ham representation from the panel, especially in a match where emotions were running high, left a significant gap in the coverage. Fans of the East London club were already upset by their team’s performance, and the lack of a voice to represent them on national television only heightened their frustration. While TNT’s panelists praised Tottenham for their comeback, little attention was given to how West Ham allowed the game to slip away from them or what the team could do to bounce back from such a setback.
Fans Demand Accountability
For West Ham supporters, this wasn’t just about the game. It was about being acknowledged and having their team’s struggles properly analyzed by people who understand the club. As the game slipped away from West Ham, so did any hope of hearing a balanced post-match analysis. The TNT panel’s Tottenham-heavy lineup felt like an added insult to injury.
Martin Allen’s criticism of TNT Sports reflects a broader sentiment among West Ham fans who felt overlooked. Allen’s fiery demeanor, combined with his deep connection to the club, would have made for compelling commentary, especially given how poorly West Ham performed in the second half. His presence could have shifted the conversation, offering a more nuanced take on the Hammers’ struggles rather than focusing entirely on Tottenham’s triumph.
In the end, Allen’s post on social media served as a rallying cry for fans who felt TNT Sports had let them down. With West Ham’s performance already giving them plenty to be frustrated about, the lack of balance in the broadcast only served to deepen their disappointment. As the club looks to recover from a dismal display, it’s clear that both fans and former players like Allen are calling for more fair and representative coverage in the future.