Roberto De Zerbi was left fuming after Leeds United escaped having a player sent off during their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road
Roberto De Zerbi was left fuming at Elland Road after Leeds United's Jayden Bogle was not sent off for a harsh tackle on Mathys Tel that forced the Tottenham Hotspur winger off the pitch.
Dominic Solanke replaced Tel two minutes before half-time after the France under-21 international tried to continue before hobbling off. Bogle caught him down the back of his Achilles, but the video assistant referee Tony Harrington deemed there was no serious foul play.
The Leeds player's lack of speed factored into the decision. As did his action of stepping into the tackle, according to the official's verdict.
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The Premier League Match Centre posted on X at half-time to clarify the decision. Their post reads: "The referee's call of no red card to Bogle for the challenge on Tel was checked and confirmed by VAR."
A quote attributed to VAR says: "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".
That was the second lengthy VAR check of a controversial first half. Leeds wanted a penalty after Mateus Fernandes diverted a cross with his arm back to Antonin Kinsky.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin immediately raised both arms in protest after a Gabriel Gudmundsson cross was prevented from reaching him by the Spurs midfielder. John Brooks, however, waved play on as the ball rolled back to Kinsky.
Steven Gerrard believed Fernandes was fortunate to escape punishment, commenting on TNT Sports: "I will say in slow motion it doesn't look good for him. It's extremely close. I think he's got away with one."
Fellow co-commentator Lucy Ward weighed in: "He needs to be careful. He has his arm right out in an area. I've just looked at it, and it looks like it hits his shoulder."
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As various replays were reviewed, the incident continued to divide opinion among pundits across both radio and television. Nevertheless, the officials remained resolute in their assessment of it.
The Premier League Match Centre issued a statement clarifying their position. It reads: "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."
A quote attributed to the VAR reads: "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."