VAR controversy leaves Maddison in anger

By Martin Graham

Tottenham skipper James Maddison has launched a scathing assault on Premier League officiating, claiming referees and VAR have endured a “horrible begin” to the marketing campaign.

At present sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament harm, Maddison voiced his frustration on X following Spurs’ 3-0 victory over West Ham. His criticism got here after Cristian Romero’s early purpose was disallowed on the London Stadium on Saturday.

Referee Jarred Gillett halted play for an alleged foul by Micky van de Ven on Kyle Walker-Peters simply earlier than Romero struck, and the on-field determination dominated out the opener. VAR official John Brooks carried out a quick assessment earlier than backing Gillett’s name.

Controversial incident sparks debate

In response to the Premier League’s Match Centre, the disallowed purpose stemmed from Van de Ven “pushing Walker-Peters within the again and affecting his capability to problem for the ball.” Nevertheless, replays confirmed West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen appeared to shove Mateus Fernandes into Van de Ven, inflicting the Spurs defender to collide with Walker-Peters.

Maddison blasted the decision, stating that if such contact constitutes a foul, then “you’ll by no means ever see a nook be taken with out the referee blowing for one thing ever once more.”

Requires VAR to be extra decisive

Ex-Wales defender Ashley Williams additionally felt Romero’s effort ought to have counted. He famous that Van de Ven didn’t provoke the contact and solely collided with Walker-Peters after being pushed, including that VAR ought to have stepped in regardless of the referee’s preliminary determination.

Targets from Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Van de Ven ultimately sealed the win for Spurs, whereas West Ham completed with 10 males.

In the meantime, Skilled Recreation Match Officers Restricted head Howard Webb has lately burdened that VAR involvement needs to be minimal, with solely “clear and apparent” errors corrected. Webb mentioned officers are aiming for the next threshold for overturning selections and highlighted that Premier League matches have seen fewer VAR interventions than every other main European league.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author