LONDON — Manager Roberto De Zerbi criticized the referee’s demeanor during Tottenham’s intense 1-1 draw with Leeds on Monday, implying that the official’s judgment may have been affected by VAR decisions from Arsenal’s victory over West Ham on Sunday. De Zerbi highlighted the influence of video assistant referee decisions that ultimately led Spurs to settle for a single point during a dramatic weekend in the Premier League.
The match featured two significant VAR interventions that proved crucial for both teams. After Matthijs Tell miscalculated a bicycle kick clearance, colliding instead with Ethan Ampadu, VAR official Craig Pawson advised referee Jared Gillett to assess the situation using the pitchside monitor. Following this review, Gillett awarded a penalty.
Key Match Events
In a tense sequence, James was taken down in the box by Lucas Nmeka during the 13th minute of a protracted 14 minutes of second-half stoppage time. Despite recommendations from VAR Craig Pawson, which suggested a penalty was warranted, Gillett resisted awarding the spot kick, citing that Nmeka had touched the ball.
The draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium left De Zerbi’s squad just two points above West Ham in the relegation zone, with two matches still to play. Following the match, De Zerbi expressed his frustration regarding the officiating. He noted, “From the start to the finish, the referee warned me that leaving the technical area would result in a yellow card. They didn’t appear calm today, possibly affected by yesterday’s events against Arsenal. The pressure was palpable.”
De Zerbi acknowledged that his team struggled to maintain composure on the pitch, stating, “Yes, we faced challenges due to the speed of play and overall order on the field. We lacked passion and urgency. The referee’s state of mind today was also at play. Regarding VAR, I’m perplexed. The foul on (David Raya) was indisputable.”
In a positive development, De Zerbi welcomed back midfielder Maddison, who reentered the game after more than a year of rehabilitation from two severe knee injuries. “This is fantastic news for us,” he remarked. “Maddison brings a distinct level of quality and character, and I anticipate he will become a key contributor for our team. Yesterday, we discussed his fitness and the number of minutes he could play; he exceeded expectations.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke also expressed his enthusiasm over Maddison’s return. Having coached him briefly during the mid-to-late 2010s while at Norwich City, Farke remarked, “I have a personal fondness for James Maddison. He’s been my player since he was quite young, and I hope to have played a part in his early career.” He further praised Maddison, stating, “If you appreciate football, you must appreciate his talents. He is among England’s most creative and skilled midfielders.”
Farke commended Maddison’s resilience and impact following his long absence, emphasizing his ability to execute decisive plays and remain intelligent in critical situations. “It was uplifting to see him back on the field for the final minutes. His presence can lead to pivotal assists, effective crosses, and strategic set pieces, even after such a long layoff,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Spurs will face Chelsea in a crucial fixture on Tuesday, May 19, just two days after West Ham clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park.
