VAR controversy leaves Maddison in anger

By Martin Graham

Tottenham skipper James Maddison has launched a scathing attack on Premier League officiating, claiming referees and VAR have endured a “terrible start” to the campaign.

Currently sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Maddison voiced his frustration on X following Spurs’ 3-0 victory over West Ham. His criticism came after Cristian Romero’s early goal was disallowed at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Referee Jarred Gillett halted play for an alleged foul by Micky van de Ven on Kyle Walker-Peters just before Romero struck, and the on-field decision ruled out the opener. VAR official John Brooks carried out a brief review before backing Gillett’s call.

Controversial incident sparks debate

According to the Premier League’s Match Centre, the disallowed goal stemmed from Van de Ven “pushing Walker-Peters in the back and affecting his ability to challenge for the ball.” However, replays showed West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen appeared to shove Mateus Fernandes into Van de Ven, causing the Spurs defender to collide with Walker-Peters.

Maddison blasted the verdict, stating that if such contact constitutes a foul, then “you will never ever see a corner be taken without the referee blowing for something ever again.”

Calls for VAR to be more decisive

Ex-Wales defender Ashley Williams also felt Romero’s effort should have counted. He noted that Van de Ven did not initiate the contact and only collided with Walker-Peters after being pushed, adding that VAR should have stepped in despite the referee’s initial decision.

Goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Van de Ven eventually sealed the win for Spurs, while West Ham finished with 10 men.

Meanwhile, Professional Game Match Officials Limited head Howard Webb has recently stressed that VAR involvement should be minimal, with only “clear and obvious” mistakes corrected. Webb said officials are aiming for a higher threshold for overturning decisions and highlighted that Premier League matches have seen fewer VAR interventions than any other major European league.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer