Simon Hooper "was devastated" after not giving Manchester City a late advantage in their Premier League draw with Spurs, according to Howard Webb.
The official initially waved play on when Erling Haaland was fouled by Emerson Royal, but he halted the match once the through ball was played.
"I understand the disappointment that City felt on this one," said Webb.
Webb, the 2010 World Cup final referee, is chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which manages elite officials in England.
The Football Association charged City with failing to control their players in the aftermath of the incident in the 3-3 draw on December 3.