adminLeeds United defender Jayden Bogle was at the centre of a major VAR controversy during Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road — and the Premier League has now been forced to explain why he wasn’t sent off.
The Incident
Following a physical first half that saw neither side take the lead, Bogle lunged into a late challenge on Spurs forward Mathys Tel. Attempting to win the ball, the Leeds defender’s boot completely missed its target and instead caught Tel down the back of the leg.
Referee John Brooks saw no need to book Bogle, prompting VAR to intervene and review the challenge for potential serious foul play. While the check was ongoing, Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi was furious on the touchline, while Tel remained on the ground in visible pain with what appeared to be an Achilles injury.
To the shock of many inside Elland Road and watching at home, VAR deemed there was no serious foul play, and both players returned to the pitch — though Tel ultimately requested to be substituted, clearly unable to continue.
Premier League Statement
The Premier League Match Centre moved to clarify the decision on X, confirming:
“The referee’s call of no red card to Bogle for the challenge on Tel was checked and confirmed by VAR.
VAR: ‘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.'”
Fan Fury and Claims of Double Standards
The decision sparked widespread outrage online, with supporters accusing the VAR team of inconsistency. One fan wrote: “Where’s the red card! A terrible tackle leaves Tel down.”
Another added: “The inconsistency in the Premier League is insane. Bogle should be out by now, this is a red card challenge on Tel.”
A third fumed: “Nowhere near the ball, full weight on opposition player in the Achilles and clearly injured a player. Of course they don’t even book him, absolute joke.”
Critics also pointed to a perceived double standard, noting that referee Brooks had previously sent off Xavi Simons for a similar challenge on Virgil van Dijk in December last year.
Earlier Penalty Controversy
The Bogle incident came after further controversy earlier in the half, when Leeds were denied a penalty after claiming Spurs midfielder Mateus Fernandes had handled the ball inside the box. VAR reviewed the decision, with the Match Centre confirming the ball had instead struck the very top of the arm as Fernandes leaned in the “green zone,” meaning it was not deemed a handball.
The match at Elland Road once again put Premier League officiating and VAR decision-making under the microscope, with Spurs supporters left questioning how Bogle remained on the pitch while Tel’s afternoon ended in injury.
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