Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League, marked by a contentious VAR decision in favor of Spurs. The win was propelled by Pape Matar Sarr’s inaugural goal for the club and a fortuitous own goal by Lisandro Martinez.
Despite moments where fortune favored the north Londoners, with Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro missing golden opportunities, Tottenham capitalized on their second-half dominance to clinch their first win of the season. However, the outcome could have been altered if Manchester United had their way. In the first half, Alejandro Garnacho’s shot, deflected wide by Cristian Romero’s accidental handball, sparked controversy. Despite video replays indicating the ball struck Romero’s hand in the penalty area, VAR upheld referee Michael Oliver’s decision not to award a penalty.
This decision faced heavy criticism in the ensuing days. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher defended VAR’s call, stating that an apology from the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) was unlikely. Gallagher emphasized the difficulty of determining handball situations, considering factors like arm position, shoulder involvement, and the speed of the ball.
These remarks did not sit well with Tottenham’s manager, Erik ten Hag, who expressed frustration with VAR after the defeat. He insisted that his team deserved a penalty, citing the clear impact on the ball’s direction and the obstructive nature of the handball.
Bruno Fernandes, echoing the sentiment, sought an apology from referee chief Jon Moss. Fernandes questioned the lack of post-match interviews by officials to explain their decisions, asserting that there were no excuses for missing what he deemed a clear penalty. He also referred to the previous week’s controversy involving Manchester United, expressing a desire for consistency in officiating and potential apologies akin to those extended to other teams.