Tottenham Hotspur supporters have once again voiced their frustration with Premier League officiating after another controversial VAR decision during Arsenal’s win against Burnley.
The officiating in the Premier League has constantly come under heavy criticism this season, given the inconsistencies in major decisions.
For Tottenham Hotspur, it does feel as though they have regularly been on the receiving end of those inconsistencies.
Many fans will quickly point to the Randal Kolo Muani push on Gabriel in the north London derby, which was ruled a foul, while a similar push on Cristian Romero several weeks before the Arsenal game was deemed acceptable.
Spurs have also been on the receiving end of official apologies this season, with the Brian Brobbey challenge on Romero, which later sidelined the defender, eventually judged to have been reckless, with the Sunderland player deemed fortunate not to have received a second booking.
Last weekend against Leeds United, James Maddison was brought down in the box by Lucas Nmecha, only for the penalty appeals to be waved away. That decision clearly left Maddison furious, feeling he had been fouled, but VAR did not intervene.
Tottenham fans react to Kai Havertz VAR decision in Arsenal win against Burnley
The inconsistencies continued into the penultimate gameweek of the season, this time involving Arsenal.
Kai Havertz, during the Gunners’ clash against Burnley, put in a reckless challenge with his studs showing into the back of Ugochukwu’s calf.
However, after a VAR check, the incident was not deemed violent or reckless enough for a red card, allowing Havertz to remain on the pitch.
Ironically, earlier in the season, Xavi Simons made a not too dissimilar challenge on Virgil van Dijk and was sent off almost immediately. The similarities between the incidents have now sparked frustration among Tottenham supporters online.
Writing on X, one Tottenham fan questioned: “Why was Xavi Simons sent off and not Kai Havertz? @FA_PGMOL”
Another supporter hinted at perceived bias, writing: “If you look really closely, you can see Kai Havertz is wearing an Arsenal jersey.”
One fan stated: “Simple… Arsenal are the chosen ones to win the Premier League. This is blatant match fixing. VAR review and no red card. Football is finished.”
Another supporter added: “Just another example of the corruption and favouritism towards Woolwich.”
Calls for consistency also emerged, with one fan writing: “Consistency is all we ask for. If one gets sent off then the other needs to be as well or neither go off. Incompetent refs making huge errors every single game at this point.”
One more Tottenham supporter added: “If Romero had done that he would be suspended for six seasons.”
The complaints continued, with another fan posting: “Make it make sense? A full-on lunge from Havertz too.”
Spurs fans are right to question refereeing inconsistencies in the Premier League
Arsenal are now on course to win the Premier League, and that will be confirmed should Manchester City drop points against Bournemouth.
However, there is no denying the Gunners have benefited from several favourable decisions this season. Thus far, Arsenal have not received a single red card, while opposition sides are still waiting for a penalty to be awarded against them in the league.
In their game against Brighton, there was also a clear penalty incident that many believed should have been given, only for it to be waved away by the officials. In typical PGMOL fashion, a statement was later issued admitting a penalty should have been awarded.
The inconsistencies in officiating continue to frustrate supporters, especially when similar incidents appear to produce completely different outcomes from one week to the next.
- READ MORE: Toby Alderweireld reveals ‘craziest’ Tottenham game he played in that makes him feel anti-VAR