adminA lengthy VAR review sparked fresh controversy during Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Leeds United after a dangerous challenge on Mathys Tel left the Spurs forward injured.
The incident was referred to VAR for a possible red card on the grounds of serious foul play, resulting in an extraordinary five-minute delay as officials carefully examined the challenge.
However, despite the lengthy review, the referee’s original decision to keep his cards in his pocket was upheld. Tel was eventually forced off after sustaining an injury from the challenge.
The Premier League Match Centre later explained the decision through its official social media account, confirming that VAR had reviewed and supported the referee’s call.
The statement read: “The referee’s call of no red card to Bogle for the challenge on Tel was checked and confirmed by VAR.”
The VAR official could also be heard explaining: “I’m confirming the on-field decision of no red card. There’s a lack of speed going into the challenge and he’s stepping into the tackle. Confirming a reckless challenge.”
However, the explanation did little to convince former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who was absolutely furious with the outcome while watching the match alongside Jason Cundy on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar: The Lock In.
As the officials spent five minutes reviewing the incident, O’Hara struggled to understand why the challenge was not considered worthy of a straight red card.
He angrily said: “That’s an ankle breaker. Why are they even having a conversation? It’s a red card. 100 per cent.
“There is no debate about this. You have to send him off.
“What are you discussing? The VAR has his head in his hands and he’s scratching his head. What’s going on here?”
When the decision was eventually announced, the former Spurs midfielder could no longer contain his frustration. He jumped out of his seat, slammed his chair and appeared close to walking away from the broadcast.
O’Hara continued his furious reaction, describing the decision as one of the worst refereeing calls he had ever witnessed.
“That’s a disgrace. That’s the worst decision I’ve ever seen.
“He nearly broke his ankle and he’s not even booked him. That’s disgusting.”
ANOTHER VAR CONTROVERSY INVOLVING TOTTENHAM
The incident involving Tel was not the only controversial refereeing decision that required an explanation from the Premier League during the first half of Leeds United’s encounter with Tottenham.
Earlier in the match, Leeds players and supporters were left frustrated after their appeals for a penalty were rejected following a potential handball incident involving Spurs midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes was attempting to clear the ball when it appeared to make contact with his outstretched arm, prompting immediate appeals from Leeds players.
The initial television replays created further confusion, with some camera angles suggesting that the ball had struck the midfielder’s right arm while it was positioned away from his body.
Nevertheless, referee John Brooks decided against awarding a penalty, and VAR did not recommend an on-field review.
The decision initially attracted criticism, but a different camera angle eventually provided a clearer picture of what had happened.
The additional footage showed that the ball had actually struck Fernandes around the upper chest and shoulder area rather than the punishable part of his arm.
The Premier League subsequently addressed the incident through its Match Centre account, explaining why Leeds were not awarded a spot-kick.
Its statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Fernandes did not commit a handball offence.”
The VAR official added: “Confirming the on-field decision of play on. The ball strikes the very top of the arm as he is leaning – in the green zone.”
The explanation referred to the so-called ‘green zone’, which covers the area above the bottom of the armpit and is commonly known as the ‘T-shirt zone’.
Under the handball rules, contact in this area is generally not considered an offence.
With two major VAR incidents attracting attention during the same half, the officiating decisions became a major talking point, particularly after Tel was forced off following the challenge that left O’Hara demanding a red card.
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