There was much controversy as Leeds United hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Two notable incidents caught the eye in the first half alone.
The first involved a potential handball shout on Spurs Mateus Fernandes, but VAR checked and cleared the possible penalty. Adding to the drama, Jayden Bogle was then somewhat fortunate to avoid a red card for his strong tackle on Mathys Tel.
The Leeds defender caught the Frenchman late, with his studs crashing into the back of Tel's ankle. Once again, VAR looked over the incident but stuck with the on-field decision from referee John Brooks.
VAR Explains No Red Card For Jayden Bogle vs Spurs
Tottenham star Tel was forced off with injury, adding to the anger from the club's support. The Premier League, however, have now shared a statement on the incident, explaining:
'The referee’s call of no red card to Bogle for the challenge on Tel was checked and confirmed by VAR.
VAR: “I'm confirming the on-field decision of no red card. There’s a lack of speed going into the challenge and he’s stepping into the tackle. Confirming a reckless challenge”.'
This reasoning didn't go down well, though, with one Spurs fan replying: "@PLMatchCentre disgusting that was not given a red card?????? What the hell. That man on VAR needs sacking."
Many others online were in agreement, as most felt Bogle was lucky not to see red.
Fernandes' Handball Shout vs Leeds Explained
While Spurs can perhaps count themselves unlucky not to have seen Bogle sent off for the incident, fortune had seemed to be on their side earlier on in the game. Indeed, just four minutes in, midfielder Fernandes appeared to handle the ball inside his own box.
Cries for a penalty were waved away, though, and this turned out to be a good call. Although the ball initially seemed to hit the Tottenham star's outstretched arm, further reviews of the footage showed it was actually his shoulder.
The Premier League Match Centre one again explained the ruling, with a statement noting: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Fernandes did not commit a handball offence."
Tony Harrington on the VAR was also quoted as saying: “Confirming the on-field decision of play on. The ball strikes the very top of the arm as he is leaning – in the green zone."