Tottenham were fortunate to have a decision go in their favour a couple of weeks ago as VAR failed to intervene after Luis Diaz’s goal against them was incorrectly ruled offside.

The PMGOL have released the audio of the incident, which showed a miscommunication between VAR and the on-field referee led to the offside decision being upheld (Sky Sports).

Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images

Spurs could be clear at the top without VAR

Despite benefiting on that occasion, The Express explain that VAR has actually proven costly for Spurs over the course of the first eight league matches.

It is explained that were it not for VAR, Tottenham would have 22 points rather than the 20 they currently have.

They would have a three-point lead over Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League table as their North London rivals would have a point less than they currently do without VAR.

Tottenham are thus the biggest losers from the use of the technology so far this season.

Spurs Web Opinion

These sorts of claims make no sense at all as it assume that the result would not change depending on whether a goal is given at a certain point in the game.

Teams react in different ways to going a goal up or goal down in matches, which is why it is complete nonsense to speculate what the table would look like by just removing the VAR interventions.

The post Report: Spurs would be doing even better in the table if VAR did not exist – Despite Liverpool drama appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Luis Diaz’s goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside by referee Simon Hooper but VAR Darren England did not reverse the call, mistakenly thinking that the goal had been awarded on the pitch.

The audio of the miscommunication was released last week (Sky Sports) and it showed that by the time those at Stockley Park realised the error, it was already too late as the game had restarted.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Process changes after mistake in Spurs vs Liverpool

The Athletic have revealed that as a result, the PMGOL have brought in a new protocol aimed at enhancing the clarity of the communication between the referee and VAR because of the error made in the Tottenham vs Liverpool match. 

The report reveals that it has been re-emphasised to the officials that while the decision-making has to be fast and efficient, that should never come at the expense of accuracy.

As per the new process, the VAR now need to confirm the outcome of the check process with the assistant referee before communicating the final decision to the on-field referee.

The outlet explains that the change has been implemented immediately and was in place for the match week 8.

Spurs Web Opinion

It is important to remember that compared to most sports, the implementation of technology in football is still very new. There were always going to be a few mistakes along the way before the VAR process was streamlined and implemented appropriately. 

The post Report: Premier League have introduced new feature because of Spurs game appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

There has been a major debate around VAR since its implementation a few years ago and the chorus of voices calling for it to be scrapped has only got louder recently.

The miscommunication between VAR and the on-field referee in Tottenham’s clash against Liverpool has once again brought the spotlight on the use of technology in the game.

Postecoglou has said that while he is in support of goal-line technology, other aspects of technology are not ready to be widely used in game as it is being at the moment.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Is VAR suitable for the Premier League?

When asked if he would scarp VAR, the Tottenham head coach told Football.London: “I would in its current form. I just don’t think that technology’s ready for our game. I’ve got nothing, I’ve got absolutely zero against goal-line technology, that’s a no-brainer because that’s quite significant, but it works for our game.

“I just think our game is unique and I know people say well let’s get referees explaining their decisions – oh my God. Seriously? Could you imagine sitting there listening to a referee explain every decision on the game. I’m going to the gridiron on Sunday, I love it, I love American football. It’s three-and-a-half hours mate. Do you want to sit through three-and-a-half hours of listening?

“I mean referees, the measure of who was a good referee was the ones you never noticed, and we’re trying to make them the stars of the show. We’re analysing in slow motion yellow cards. We as players and coaches, we’re the worst culprits for it because we talk about integrity and all these things, but watch a game of football tonight, any game, the first throw in I bet you both teams appeal for it. With one knowing it’s not theirs, and if you get it, you don’t go ‘oh, it wasn’t ours, it’s theirs. Give it to them’.

“It’s just human beings, we’re trying to take advantage. There’s nothing wrong with that, we’re trying to work within the framework of what we’re given, but I just think with VAR at the moment, we think it’s going to eliminate…and the more we use it, I think the worse it’s going to get.”

Postecoglou pointed out that the technology, which was supposed to be used only for clear and obvious errors, is now slowly influencing more and more decisions, which leads to the game being slowed down.

He continued: “It was there for the clear and obvious error, it seems like everything now. Yellow cards, fouls, corners, everything’s getting scrutinised. It’s not our game, we’re not rugby, we don’t have those stoppages. What I always loved about England was the frenetic pace of football.

“That’s what everybody said. Premier League, English First Division, that was the difference between some other leagues where you ‘oh, it’s so slow and ponderous, it drives you nuts. Not the English league, it’s bang, bang’. Why are we trying to take that out?

“Now, I think part of the consequence of last week was that none of us liked it when they were taking so long to make a decision and it sounded like last week they were rushing into a decision.

“That suggests to me that I don’t think the technology in its current form is suitable to our game, but I know I will be in a minority with that and my role within that is to accept that whatever my feelings are on it, ultimately, there’s still going to be an arbitrar of decisions and we have to abide by it when they come about.”

The 58-year-old opined that it was the flaws in football that added to the uniqueness of the sport, which is why the attempt to sanitise it were doomed to fail.

When aked if VAR is sucking the fun out of the game, he responded: “I don’t know about that, it’s still fun, but this is probably the only time I’m happy I’m 58 and not 38. I don’t know what the game is going to look like in 20 years’ time and I’m not sure I would like it with the way it’s going.

“I’ve always loved the fact that our game has more flaws in it. The uniqueness of our game is the goal is so hard to get. We always focus around that. Usually, goals came from either a combination of brilliance or some flaws by someone. A player, a manager, a referee, something happened and a goal came.

“We’re trying to sanitise all that by trying to make it into something that I just don’t think is our game. That’s not what I’ve loved about football. I’ve loved the imperfect nature of it.

“When you’re sitting there analysing every little decision – and it seems we’re going that way where people just want every decision to be right – then that will slow down the game invariably, there will be more interruptions and they’ll take away from what I love about the game, but that’s me personally, other people might see it differently.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I broadly agree with Ange Postecoglou that most decisions in football (such as handballs and fouls) are not black and white, which is why the technology will not work as well as it does in sports such as tennis or cricket.

Having said that, most people completely miss the point when they criticise VAR and call for it to be done away with. VAR was never going to completely get rid of all the mistakes.

However, what it has been extremely successful in doing is in reducing the number of errors. It makes no sense to use incidents like Luis Diaz one as evidence for why VAR should be removed because the goal would have still been ruled out without VAR as the on-field decision was offside.

The moment VAR is removed, the same people will start clamouring for its return because of the amount of objectively wrong calls that are made by referees every week.

The post ‘Our game is unique’ – Ange Postecoglou explains why is not a fan of VAR appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The PMGOL released the audio from the incident earlier this week, with the tapes clearly demonstrating that the Luis Diaz offside call stood as a result of a miscommunication (Sky Sports).

The VAR Darren England thought that the goal had been given and communicated ‘check complete’ to the on-field referee, who restarted the game assuming that the offside decision had been verified.

Just when it looked like we might have heard last of the incident, Jurgen Klopp poured fuel into the fire on Wednesday by stating that a fair resolution would be to have the game replayed (Guardian).

(Photo by Visionhaus)

Premier League will refuse a Spurs-Liverpool replay 

However, Football Insider have now claimed that there is no chance of the Premier League calling for the match to be replayed.

The outlet explained even though the Reds are looking to escalate the incident, the Premier League have made it clear that there is no prospect of playing the fixture again.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Football Daily have revealed that they reached out to Tottenham regarding Klopp’s statement but the North London club did not offer any comment. 

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no point in dignifying Klopp’s statement with a response. Liverpool’s conduct has been extremely poor over the last few days.

From their assertion that ‘sporting integrity has been undermined’ to Klopp’s claim yesterday, it is almost as if they are hinting at corruption or foul play when it was evidently just human error. 

The post Report: The Premier League’s stance revealed on Tottenham vs Liverpool replay appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

After PMGOL admission of getting the Luiz Diaz offside call wrong, Liverpool released a strongly worded statement which suggested that sporting integrity had been undermined.

While the Reds did not officially call for the game to be replayed, they did state that they would ‘explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution’.

On Tuesday, PMGOL released the audio of the exchange in the VAR room prior to the decision being made (Sky Sports), with the conversation backing up what they had said previously.

VAR Darren England had thought that the goal had been given on the pitch and thus mistakenly said ‘check complete’ when Diaz was onside, which led the on-pitch referee Simon Hooper to restart the game.

While England and his assistant Dan Cook realised the mistake they had made just seconds later, they could not intervene since the game had already restarted.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Could Tottenham vs Liverpool be replayed?

Over the past couple of days, there have been discussions by fans and parts of the media regarding whether the game could be replayed (talkSPORT).

Stephen Taylor Heath, co-head of Sports Law at JMW Solicitors, has now explained that Liverpool do have legal means to pursue a potential replay.

He told The Mirror: “Rule L18 outlines that the Premier League board has the power to order a league match to be replayed provided that recommendation to that effect has been made by a commission under rule W51.

“In addition to this, under rule W1, the Premier League’s board has the power to inquire about any suspected breach of rules, including those made by a match official, while rule N4 ensures that each match official agrees to be bound by the laws of the game as well as any protocols and FA rules.

“There is therefore a possibility that Liverpool could lobby the Premier League board to convene a commission which would have the power, among others, to order the match to be replayed.

“To mount a general legal case outside of the Premier League regulations, a starting point would normally have to be to establish a contractual nexus between the club and the officials that has been breached or a duty of care and negligence causing loss.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no way that the game will replayed, given that it was just human error.

While the nature of the error was unique as it was down to basic miscommunication, having the game replayed sets an unwanted precedent as all clubs will start demanding the same when they are at the receiving end of an incorrect decision.

The post Report claims PL rules would allow the Spurs-Liverpool clash to be replayed appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

As expected, there has been a lot said and written about the mistake made by VAR on Saturday after PMGOL admitted that they made a significant human error by not overruling the offside call for Diogo Jota’s opener.

They explained that VAR Darren England believed the goal had been awarded on the pitch and thought he was confirming that outcome while referee Simon Hooper stuck with the initial offside decision.

Liverpool announced after PMGOL’s admission of their mistake that they would  ‘explore the range of options available’ and it has subsequently been reported that the Reds had asked for the audio of the VAR conversation (ThisIsAnfield).

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Tottenham vs Liverpool should not be replayed

Lampard admitted that it was difficult to accept the kind of error that was made by VAR but refuted talks of the game potentially being replayed.

When asked about the game potentially being played again, he told Sky Sports’ MNF (02/10/23): “I don’t see it. I don’t know what the repercussions of that would be because this is however many apologies they have made since VAR has been in. 

“This is very factual and the circumstances of the mistake are something you can’t get your head around and understand.”

Carragher responded to the same question: “I don’t think there should be a replay. I don’t believe that.”

Spurs Web Opinion

No one serious is suggesting that a replay is on the cards. While the mistake made by VAR on Saturday is unique due to it being down to basic miscommunication, it is something they should learn from and avoid repeating.

One simple solution would be for VAR to spell out whether it is offside or onside rather than communicating whether the referee should stay with the on-field decision or not.

The post ‘Very factual’ – Lampard and Carragher on whether Spurs vs Liverpool should be replayed appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

PMGOL confirmed following Tottenham’s 2-1 win on Saturday that a significant human error had occurred when Luiz Diaz’s goal was ruled out for offside.

It was explained that the VAR, Darren England, thought that the goal had been awarded on the pitch and thus instructed the referee Simon Hooper to stay with the on-field decision.

Understandably, the unique nature of the error, which was down to a simple miscommunication between the officials, has made a lot of headlines.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

What are Liverpool trying to achieve with statement?

Liverpool released a strongly worded message after the PMGOL’s admission, stating that it is ‘unacceptable’ that the failings have been categorised as ‘significant human error’.

They asserted that the mistake had resulted in ‘sporting integrity being undermined’ and that they would explore their options, given ‘the clear need for escalation and resolution’.

Gallagher says he fails to understand the meaning of the statement, pointing out that it was just a mistake by the VAR.

The former Premier League referee told Sky Sports News (11:33 am, October 2, 2023): “I don’t understand what it means, to be honest, sorry. I seriously don’t.

“It was a mistake. Referees make mistakes all the time. It was a mistake. It’s a very, very bad mistake, no doubt about that, but it’s a mistake. It was not done deliberately.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is a section of every fan base (probably a significant minority) who actually believes that the FA and the referees are corrupt and that they actively rig results, which is an utterly ridiculous position to hold.

That is quite different from believing that VAR does not work or that the referees are simply not good enough, which are acceptable positions to hold. 

Those conspiracy theorists look at mistakes like the one on Saturday as evidence of officials being compromised. Liverpool’s ridiculous assertion that sporting integrity has been undermined is basically throwing red meat to that idiotic fringe.

The post ‘I don’t understand’ – Former referee not a fan of Liverpool’s statement about Spurs defeat appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Luis Diaz’s goal in the first half, which would have been the game’s opener, was flagged offside and the PMGOL admitted after the game that a ‘significant human error’ had occurred, leading to the on-pitch decision standing.

It was explained that VAR Darren England believed the goal had been awarded on the pitch and thought he was confirming that outcome while referee Simon Hooper consequently stuck with the initial offside decision.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Liverpool want to hear VAR audio from Spurs match

Liverpool had already announced after the game that they would ‘explore the range of options available’ after PMGOL’s admission of their mistake.

According to the latest update by ThisIsAnfield, the Reds have asked to listen to the conversation that took place at Stockley Park and their communication with Hooper that led to the offside decision being upheld against Spurs.

Spurs Web Opinion

The incident on Saturday was quite unique and cannot be compared to some other VAR mistakes since it was primarily down to a basic breakdown in communication.

I am personally in support of having a system similar to rugby and cricket, whereby the fans can listen to the conversations between the referee and VAR. However, that change would have to come from the top and be the same for everyone.

The post Report: Liverpool make formal request to FA after admission of VAR mistake appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Liverpool’s clash at Tottenham saw VAR be called in for judgement three times. The first occasion was the dismissal of midfielder, Curtis Jones, whose challenge on Bissouma was deemed dangerous.

VAR instructed referee Simon Hooper to consult with the video replay of the challenge; to which the English referee decided to upgrade Jones’ punishment from yellow to red, much to the dismay of Liverpool fans and pundits.

The visitors then took the lead eight minutes after losing Jones as Diaz fired a shot into the bottom left corner. VAR yet again was called upon to check the call for offside, the goal was deemed illegal and Tottenham went on to go 1-0 up.

Despite little awareness amongst the fans inside the stadium, VAR had made a glaring error which prompted a later apology from the PGMOL (Sky News). Inevitably, this led to more media onslaught for inconsistent officiating which has been a theme throughout the start of this season.

The controversy seemed to absorb so much attention that little has been said about Tottenham finally defeating one of their toughest opponents, only beating The Reds once across the past six years.

So, exactly how good was Tottenham’s victory despite the officiating mishaps which continue to dominate the headlines?

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates the win with Pedro Porro and Alejo Veliz at full time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Richarlison’s successful re-introduction?

Despite Richarlison’s heroic cameo against Sheffield United two weeks ago, Ange Postecoglou opted for the pace of Brennan Johnson against North London rivals, Arsenal, but an injury to the Welsh winger paved the way for the Brazilians’ reintegration into the starting line-up against Liverpool.

For many Spurs fans, it may have been perceived that Son would be pushed back out onto the left for the game, allowing Richarlison to operate through the middle, but those perceptions were quickly dispelled pre-game as Postecoglou confirmed to Sky Sports ‘He [Richarlison] will start on the left’.

Richarlison offered a different type of threat from the left-hand side than Tottenham had experienced so far this season. Richarlison despite creating 2 chances, one being an unselfish cutback for Son’s opener, the winger also had five shots of his own, two of which were on target and perhaps were unlucky to have not hit the back of the net (FotMob).

Postecoglou had deployed Solomon, Son and briefly Johnson on the left so far this season; Richarlison had the most xG out of them all. The Brazilian experienced 0.78 xG (FotMob), Tottenham’s highest xG from their left-sided attacker all season, by some way too with Johnson’s 0.59xG last weekend being the only performance that came close (FotMob).

It can be frustrating that Richarlison therefore didn’t end up putting himself on the scoresheet, but his quality of chances display that his runs and movement offer something Tottenham haven’t experienced all season, and with Tottenham’s number 9 now grabbing 1 goal and 2 assists in his last 111 minutes of football, it could allow him to lock down a spot in Postecoglou’s team.

Pedro Porro’s outstanding display

A common preconception before the start of the season amongst fans was that you could not start Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie together, but in true Postecoglou fashion; Ange ripped up the rulebook. Porro has found a new level at Tottenham since the Australian came in and Saturday’s performance was an embodiment of his hard work, especially on his defensive game.

Porro’s Spurs career certainly took off turbulently as former Tottenham boss judged him as being ‘so bad it’s unbelievable’ whilst also claiming his ‘positioning was absolutely disgusting’ (Sky Sports) as Tottenham fell to a 4-1 defeat away at Leicester, Porro failed to make a single tackle that game and was substituted after 75 minutes.

Porro when asked about those Sherwood comments at the time stated, ‘Let me loose in a prison and I’ll end up owning the place’, his flash of arrogance was balanced with a sense of understanding that he’d need to adjust as Pedro also stated ‘it’s hard: it was only a week, I’d never played a minute at City, never played in England in my life’ (The Guardian). It’s now seeming not so hard for the Spaniard.

His display against Liverpool was nearly immaculate, he often dampened the Liverpool attack and utilised his pace to stop any counter-attacking threats, especially when the visitors often used it as their only attacking outlet as they dropped to nine men.

Porro made the most tackles out of anyone in the game (6) (SofaScore) and made the all-important fizzing cross across the Liverpool box which forced Matip to deflect the cross into his own net, sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures.

Porro’s performance was arguably man-of-the-match worthy and won Tottenham the tie; now that the Spanish international has improved his defensive ability, it’s hard to see a true weakness in the full-backs game.

The un-Spursy result

When Tottenham came from behind twice away to Arsenal last weekend to clinch a rare point at the Emirates, James Maddison stated that ‘Neutrals talk about Tottenham, they often say; soft, weak, bottle it, Spursy, all that rubbish.

I think the last couple of weeks shows we might be going in a slightly different direction’ (Mirror), and Saturday’s result suggests that perhaps the tide is certainly turning at Tottenham.

Obviously, the expectation would have been to get a winning goal in those final 20 minutes against a nine-man Liverpool, however, the Reds effectively had all nine of those men behind the ball at times.

Other than the odd outlier Tottenham have notoriously struggled to finish the job off against sides with a low block, but Postecoglou’s side have now defeated two teams back-to-back at home that end the game with an extremely low block with the intention of nullifying Spurs’ threat.

Spurs patiently plugged away, with little sign of players becoming frustrated, shown by the fact that Tottenham only had eight shots from the moment that Jota was sent off.

The patient passing around the Liverpool box is shown by the fact that Spurs had 42 more passes in the final 20 minutes of the second half than they did in the first 25 minutes of the second half (Opta).

Spurs’ winner was the clearest display of the confidence that Postecoglou has breathed into the side and the lack of ‘bottling it’ which Maddison alluded to.

Kulusevski doesn’t panic at the start of the move which caused the winner and even passes it back to the wide-open Romero; a decision which was met with audible groans around the ground.

Romero continues the calmness and confidence in playing Postecoglou’s way as the Argentine holds the ball for six seconds, a time which seems like an eternity when it’s the final minute of the game, but it was a much-needed wait as allowed Porro to drift out wide and ultimately fire in his cross which ensured Tottenham would get three points against Liverpool since October of 2017.

The post Opinion: Why Spurs should not let their win be clouded by Liverpool VAR chaos appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

It was a topsy-turvy game at Anfield, with Spurs conceding three within the first 15 minutes, showing shades of the 6-1 defeat to Newcastle just a week ago.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

However, Tottenham rallied and Liverpool lost their intensity towards the end of the first 45, with Harry Kane pulling one back to kickstart a Lilywhite comeback.

A second-half goal from Heung-min Son gave Tottenham hope, and a late Richarlison equaliser seemed written in the stars to decide the result, with him being a former Everton man.

Unfortunately, Jota soon went up the other end and slotted home after a Lucas Moura backpass. But should he have been on the pitch after kicking Oliver Skipp in the face with his studs? Ryan Mason certainly does not think so.

When asked about the incident, Mason told beIN SPORT: “It’s probably one of the clearest red cards I have ever seen on a football pitch. I don’t understand. We need an explanation.”

"It's one of the clearest red cards I have ever seen on a football pitch, we need an explanation!"

A devastated Ryan Mason just cannot understand why Diego Jota's challenge didn't end with the Liverpool attacker receiving a red card.

@zmansour75#beINPL #LIVTOT pic.twitter.com/li9nOhEyHA

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 30, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion:

It was a clear red card, albeit accidental from Jota. If you have your foot that high with studs showing into someone’s face, it’s a sending-off. Could Skipp have been sent off before that? Possibly. The real issue is Tottenham’s woeful defence, in all honesty.

The post ‘We need an explanation’ – Ryan Mason hits out at refereeing team after Liverpool defeat appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The implementation of the VAR system has been the subject of much controversy over the last few years, with fans and some managers often voicing their disagreement with certain calls, particularly subjective ones like handballs and fouls.

Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

However, one area where the system has demonstrably improved the accuracy of decision-making is with respect to offside calls.

The Athletic have now explained that there have been a handful of offside decisions this season where there has been some doubt due to cameras being obscured or not at the right angle.

To rectify this, the Premier League is set to add four additional cameras just outside each penalty area to improve the accuracy of the Hawk-Eye system, which is used to judge offsides.

The report states that the Premier League are also likely to trail FIFA’s semi-automated offside system, but the current feeling is that it would not be ideal as it would lead to longer delays in decisions.

Any decision made will have to be approved by 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs in order to be implemented.

Spurs Web Opinion

Despite all the criticism of VAR from the fans, there is no doubt that it has improved the accuracy of decision-making significantly.

While there are still some issues that need to be sorted out with the system, we are not seeing the sort of howlers, especially with respect to offsides, that were commonplace until a couple of years ago.

The main problem most fans and managers seem to have with offside calls is how they are judged, with a player being deemed offside if a toe or a finger is in front of the defender.

However, that is an issue with the way the rules are framed rather than the VAR system.

The post Report: Premier League set to make VAR changes that will impact Spurs appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The flashpoint in the first half of the London Derby came after Ziyech fouled Richarlison on the ball, which led to somewhat of a scuffle between the two sets of players.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Not helping the situation, Emerson Royal decided to come bowling in and barged Ziyech out the way, to which the Chelsea player seemingly attempted to plant a shove on the shoulder of the Spurs wing-back.

However, Ziyech’s hand only grazed the top of Emerson’s shoulder and proceeded to connect with his face instead. After seemingly taking advice from the VAR, the referee decided to hand Ziyech a red card for the incident.

Despite this, he still went to check the monitor and then came to the conclusion that it was not violent conduct from the winger, and thus rescinded the sending-off.

Stellini has now taken us through the process from a manager’s point of view.

He explained (Football London): “Immediately when it happened, for me it was clear the referee needed to give him a red card but the referee was so good to explain immediately and the fourth official as well what happened on the pitch and why they needed time to take the right decision.

“They needed time because they first needed to understand who was the player. VAR helped find out who was the player who pushed Emerson. Also for the referee, it was a red card.

“Then VAR calls him back again to say to check if it was violent or not and the referee went to the screen to check this and he decided it was not violent.”

Asked if he thought the correct decision was made, Stellini added: “No, I have not seen it. For me, it is fine what the referee decided because he went to the screen.

“Many times we discuss the referee not using the screen and the VAR is not involved. We are not lucky because every time the VAR is involved, it is against us and not in our favour but this is only about lucky, not about what happened on the pitch.

“I am happy because the referee was good to explain us and keep everyone calm.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Once again, VAR is not the problem, but the way it is used definitely is. I’m sure the referees went by the book, but would it not make more sense to just send the referee to the monitor in the first 30 seconds to make a decision? No one knew what was going on today and it was a little embarrassing.

The post Cristian Stellini explains what he was told during lengthy VAR red card check appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Spurs fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates, as Arsenal capitalised on the advantage of having more men on the pitch in the second half after Emerson Royal was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.

After going in at half-time with the score at 1-1 and Spurs in the ascendancy, it was a crushing blow for the away side to see Gabriel Jesus put Arsenal in front after just five minutes of the second half.

Emerson Royal then caught the ankle of Martinelli on the hour mark, and was given his marching orders for a challenge deemed to be dangerous foul play. Arsenal then scored the decisive third goal just five minutes later to kill the game.

In his post-match press conference (via Football.London), Spurs boss Antonio Conte refused to question the referee’s decision. Conte did however imply that those watching the game in the VAR team could have intervened.

“Honestly, I don’t know what happens later, but in England I have to be honest, it is very difficult because there isn’t the same line.

“Sometimes you see a situation that could be a red card instead is a yellow card or no yellow card, sometimes you see a situation that is a yellow card and you see a red card.

“They have to work a lot about this. In Italy, they go on Thursday and stay together for three days to work together, to look at the video and try and improve.

“I don’t know if they do that in this country but it would be a good idea because the level is so high and we need the level of the referee and VAR the same. The Premier League is a really high level and for this reason every part of this situation has to be top.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We all know the use of VAR in the English game is far from perfect. They intervene when we want the game to flow, offsides are given for the most minute of margins, and there is still an abundance of subjective errors being made week in week out.

Positive steps need to be taken to improve VAR, that’s for sure. With regards to this particular incident though, I’m not sure VAR would have seen enough in the Emerson Royal challenge to change the referee’s decision.

The post Antonio Conte calls for VAR improvements after NLD defeat to Arsenal appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Tottenham are unbeaten in their first seven games of the season, having won five and drawn two – with their two draws coming away at West Ham United and Chelsea.

The Lilywhites head into the all-important North London derby just one point behind league leaders Arsenal and tied on points with Manchester City.

According to ESPN, if the decisions made by the intervention of VAR were removed, Spurs would have accumulated 19 points from their first seven games.

It is revealed that Antonio Conte’s men would be sitting in second place behind Arsenal, who would have a perfect record in their first seven matches of the season.

ESPN reveal that Manchester City would be on the same number of points as they have now while Manchester United and Liverpool would find themselves in 9th and 10th respectively.

Here’s how the table would look without VAR, according to ESPN:

How the Premier League would look without VAR this season pic.twitter.com/KiHb9Myo2m

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 29, 2022

Spurs Web Opinion

These types of claims make no sense as there is no guarantee how results will turn out if certain refereeing decisions were not made.

For example, even if Arsenal did not have a goal ruled out in their clash at Old Trafford through VAR, United could still have won the game in the second half.

Teams obviously approach matches slightly differently based on whether they are winning or losing, and so, one cannot read too much into these calculations.

The post Report reveals how many points Tottenham would have without VAR appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Referee Peter Banks pointed to the spot in the 12th minute as Harry Kane’s header from Ivan Perisic’s cross seemed to strike Aaron Creswell’s outstretched hand.

However, VAR asked the referee to re-watch the incident on the sideline monitor and Banks decided to overturn the call.

That did not sit well with the Spurs bench, with Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason all seen expressing their discontent with the fourth official.

Conte insisted after the game that Banks had made the right decision but the VAR had “embarrassed” the on-field referee by questioning his call.

The Tottenham head coach also pointed to the decision not to show a red card to Steve Cook during his side’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and asserted that he, as well as many of his colleagues, do not want VAR to be used in the Premier League.

Conte told Football.London: “It’s difficult also to explain because you know very well that I don’t like to comment on refereeing decisions. I never did this in England.

“But today, I like to comment on the decision because it was the right one, and I said to him at the end of the first half but with a smile, not in a polemic way.

“But with a smile, I said you have taken the right decision, and then the VAR called you, and the VAR for sure embarrassed the referee because to make him change the right decision was really, really strange.

“But for managers, for players to accept the mistake of the referee during the game is ok – because a refereeing decision can sometimes be positive and negative. At the end of the season, there is always a balance. But to accept this type of situation.

“Don’t forget against Nottingham Forest, the player went with his hand and penalty, clear situation, red card, no. Today was clear. I know the rule. The problem is when there are people behind a monitor with the video.

“They have a lot of time – they have taken a lot of time – I also listen to the crowd’s whistles. The crowd in England don’t like the VAR, no?

“This is very, very clear. But I think they are right. Because if these are the decisions, it’s incredible. Or they don’t know the rules.

“This is not the first time because I have seen many times, situations with VAR onside, the same situation offside in another game because there is one finger or the line is gone. In England, it is better to cut off VAR for the crowd and us.

“For me, for my players, for every coach, every player at all the clubs, you accept the referee’s decision, positive or negative, because these are human mistakes.

“With the monitor, you see the situation, and it can be a human mistake. I don’t want to think anything.

“But I repeat, I’m really disappointed, these people, they stay behind the monitor, they have to pay more attention, they have to study, I don’t know… In England, I spoke with the other managers, and no one is happy about this situation.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While Cresswell’s arm was in an unnatural position, the replays clearly showed the ball hit his head first and then came onto his arm. I would have been furious if a penalty had been given against Spurs for an incident like that. So, in the end, I think the right decision was made.

The post Conte fumes at Spurs penalty decision, claims VAR should not be used in PL appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

In a recent summit between the managers of Premier League clubs and referee boss Mike Riley, Ragnick is said to have called for officials to train with clubs to allow players to get to know them better.

The Man Utd boss’ view was reportedly backed by his colleagues, who agreed that officials should be given access to the facilities at various Premier League clubs.

The official referee’s body PGMOL is now said to be studying the proposal and it could come into play from the 2022/23 season.

The report reveals that if the proposal is approved, Premier League officials could referee training-ground matches at various clubs.

In addition, several top-flight managers are also thought to have stressed the need for dedicated VAR officers during the meeting, with many wanting only the ones with the correct skillset chosen to operate the system.

Meanwhile, Burnley boss Sean Dyche also allegedly expressed his concern about referees not implementing the laws of the game when it comes to simulation.

Dyche reportedly said during the meeting: “You can’t tackle but you can dive”.

Spurs Web Opinion

Just as top-flight footballers need to train through the week to remain at their sharpest during matchday, the referees can only benefit from officiating fast-paced training ground games through the week.

The proposal could improve the quality of officiating and there could also be the added bonus of referees being able to forge a relationship with the players.

The post Report: There could be referees training with Tottenham from next season appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Kane thought he had given Tottenham the lead at the start of the second half against the Saints, only for VAR to rule that the striker was offside.

The decision generated quite a bit of controversy, with some pundits insisting the Tottenham striker was not in an offside position when Harry Winks played the pass.

City themselves had a goal ruled out against Brentford on Wednesday night, with VAR chopping off Aymeric Laporte’s goal for offside. 

However, the decision was not as costly for the Premier League Champions as it proved for Conte’s men, with City emerging with a 1-0 win from the Brentford Community Stadium.

Guardiola referenced the Kane decision and admitted that these calls involved extremely fine margins.

The City boss told Amazon Prime (29/12/21): “The margins in these kinds of situations. You know Southampton-Tottenham and the disallowed goal for Harry Kane.

“So, the lines, I don’t know. The margin is so. You put the line here and you put the line here. Sometimes it’s difficult to know it. But it’s disallowed.”

Spurs Web Opinion

In the age of VAR and slow-motion replays, authorities should consider tweaking the offside rule. There would be a lot less controversy if it was decided that only the position of the defender’s and forward’s feet would be checked instead of someone’s sleeve, head or shoulders. 

The post ‘Sometimes it’s difficult to know’ – Guardiola speaks on controversial Kane decision appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was an electrifying end-to-end affair and arguably the game of the season so far.

However, the quality of the encounter has been overshadowed by some controversial decisions made by Paul Tierney.

Kane caught Robertson in the first half after flying in for a full-blooded challenge and the Tottenham striker was shown a yellow card for the offence.

Clattenburg insisted it was a nailed-on red card challenge by Kane and hinted that the striker might have got preferential treatment since he is England captain.

He wrote in his column for The Daily Mail: “If Harry Kane’s lunge on Andy Robertson isn’t a red card then I’m not sure what is. The tackle is high, it’s above the ankle, studs are showing and it’s late. It didn’t have a good look to it from any angle.

“Andy Robertson sees the challenge coming from Harry Kane. He knows if he leaves his leg planted then there’s a good chance he’ll be getting stretchered out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and spending Christmas in a moon boot.

“By jumping out of the way, Robertson avoids serious damage. Kane gets away with his lunge as referee Paul Tierney shows only a yellow, with VAR Chris Kavanagh deciding it was not a clear and obvious error. I’d have shown Kane red.

“Just because you’re England captain doesn’t mean you have any special leeway to commit bad challenges. I never treated important English internationals any different. No referee should take that into account.”

Roberton then took Emerson Royal out in the second half and replays showed the Liverpool left-back was nowhere near the ball.

After initially showing the Scottish international a yellow, Tierney changed his decision to a red after being asked to rewatch the tackle on the touchline monitor by the VAR.

While Clattenburg admitted Robertson deserved a red, he criticised the inconsistency of VAR, questioning why Tierney was asked to rewatch the tackle from the Liverpool left-back but not Kane.

He wrote on Robertson’s sending off: “It was a fierce game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, full of hot-blooded tackles, and this was a particularly angry challenge by Robertson on Royal.

“It was worthy of a red, but then Kane’s indiscretion earlier in the game was worse. Where’s the consistency?

“How can VAR tell Tierney to go look at this incident but not the one involving Kane?”

Spurs Web Opinion

I agree with Clattenburg that Kane only escaped a red card because Robertson tried to jump out of the way. Had Tierney been asked to rewatch the tackle, Kane would not have escaped a red.

However, the suggestion that Kane’s tackle was worse than Robertson’s, is quite ridiculous. While the Tottenham striker’s tackle was dangerous, he was clearly trying to go for the ball and simply got carried away.

Robertson, on the other hand, had no intention of going for the ball and wanted to leave one on Emerson. Kane deserved a red card but Robertson’s challenge was a lot more cynical.

The post ‘Just because you’re England captain’ – Clattenburg gives verdict on Kane challenge appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

VAR technology, which was brought into the English top-flight two years ago, has received mixed reviews from players, managers and fans alike regarding its application to the game. 

Arguably the biggest problem has been to do with judging whether a player has been caught offside or not, with lines being drawn from various points on the attacker and the deepest defending player on the pitch – all while leaving everyone in the stadium in limbo as to what is going on. 

One of the issues with the lines was to do with their thickness, so the Premier League elected to thicken them for the current campaign to make decisions easier and less contentious. 

But, in another attempt to improve the accuracy and time taken to determine offside calls, The Times claim a new system could come in which is instantaneous and automatically flags infringing players. 

The report states that the system will be able to track as many as 29 individual points on a player using 12 cameras set up around the field of play, all just half a second behind the action being played out. 

It also states that Hawk-Eye, the technology’s manufacturer, has informed FIFA that the system is ‘ready to go’ for deployment as early as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

Should it prove to be a success at the tournament, referees in England could be briefed ahead of its proposed introduction, which could be at the start of the 2023/24 campaign. 

Spurs Web Opinion 

VAR has continued to divide opinion, especially since there were plenty of teething problems after its introduction two years ago. However, automated decisions do have the power to be useful as they will be instant, but only if applied well and properly. 

The post Report: New VAR system could be implemented for 2023/24 season appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The implementation of VAR in the Premier League has generated quite a bit of controversy over the last few years.

The marginal offside calls have been a source of much frustration for fans, with Tottenham being one of the clubs bearing the brunt of some questionable decisions.

In contrast to the Premier League, the VAR system used in the European Championships was much faster, especially with respect to offside decisions.

ESPN have explained that this is because at the Euros, UEFA appointed twice as many officials for each game, including a dedicated VAR for offside while everything is done by one lead VAR in the Premier League.

The report reveals that decisions are not expected to be sped up in the Premier League next season as there is a shortage of qualified assistants to fill an additional VAR role for offsides across every Premier League game.

However, the one change that will be incorporated from the Euros is the manner in which offside decisions are revealed to the fans.

Fans will also no longer be shown the working out process of offsides with multiple lines being drawn on the screen, with VAR instead just revealing the final decision instead.

The Premier League had already previously confirmed that a bigger margin of error will be included in offside decisions by making the lines thicker in order to give the benefit of doubt to the attacker during marginal calls.

Spurs Web Opinion

While I am completely okay with the process of the offside decisions not being shown on screen, I worry this will just embolden conspiracy theorists who think that the FA and the Premier League favour some clubs over others.

I suspect we will see some idiots on social media questioning the legitimacy of some offside decisions by posting screenshots from incorrect angles when decisions go against their clubs.

The post Report reveals change to what fans will see during VAR offside checks appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.