PGMOL explained that VAR believed Lukas Nmecha touched the ball before making contact with James Maddison during Tottenham’s late penalty appeal against Leeds United on Monday.
But Paul Robinson and Michael Owen both disagreed with that interpretation after Spurs were denied a stoppage-time spot-kick in the 1-1 draw in North London, to the delight of onlooking West Ham fans.
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Leeds had already secured Premier League safety before kick-off after Arsenal beat West Ham on Sunday. Tottenham then took the lead through Mathys Tel before Leeds equalised through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
A big talking point arrived late in stoppage time when James Maddison went down inside the box under pressure from Nmecha. VAR reviewed the challenge, but PGMOL stated the challenge was a legal one.
Paul Robinson says challenge on James Maddison was a penalty
Robinson strongly disagreed with the verdict while analysing the incident on Premier League Productions. The former Tottenham and Leeds goalkeeper believed the contact after Nmecha’s touch on the ball was enough to award Spurs a penalty.
Robinson said: “Nailed on penalty. Maddison made such a difference when he came on. Nmecha will say he got a slight touch on the ball, but when you watch the ball, it’s not like he’s got a touch on the ball and kicked it out of play.
“Regardless of whether he’s got a touch on it, that ball is still in play and Nmecha stops Maddison getting it. It’s a penalty,” Robinson continued, in his verdict following Monday night’s draw.
Michael Owen was surprised VAR did not overturn the decision
Owen also questioned the outcome despite suggesting Maddison had anticipated the contact. The former England striker still believed there was enough in the challenge for VAR to intervene.
Owen said: “Penalty for me. Even if he’s tiny, tiny, feathered it, which is the max he’s done, tiny little feather of a touch, it’s still in Maddison’s area. I think it’s a penalty, I really do.
“Maddison has played for it here, there is a little bit of a dive, but there is far more contact than I thought in real time. I’m surprised VAR didn’t overturn it.”
Daniel Farke appeared to defend the Leeds decision
Daniel Farke appeared to suggest Maddison exaggerated the incident after the final whistle. The Leeds manager defended his side after a chaotic finish in north London.
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Farke described Maddison as “smart”, having worked with the England international during his time at Norwich City. Indeed, Farke played the returning Tottenham star 49 times while at Carrow Road.
There was already late drama before the penalty appeal as Sean Longstaff hit the bar during stoppage time. The Maddison incident then became a key moment as Tottenham failed to find a winner.
Robinson and Owen were ultimately united in their reaction despite the official explanation from PGMOL. Tottenham may have only taken a point, but the late penalty decision quickly became decisive.
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