PREMIER LEAGUE EXPLAIN TOTTENHAM VS LEEDS UNITED DECISION AFTER VAR REVIEW

Tottenham were denied a late penalty against Leeds United by VAR on Monday night as the Whites salvaged a 1-1 draw

Tottenham had a late shout for a penalty against Leeds United turned down(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images)

The Premier League has clarified why Tottenham were denied a penalty in the dying moments of their match against Leeds United. Daniel Farke's side claimed a 1-1 draw in Monday evening's fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Late drama unfolded when James Maddison hit the deck following a challenge from Lukas Nmecha during stoppage time. Referee Jarred Gillett dismissed the appeals, though VAR conducted a review of the incident.

The on-field decision stood, with the Premier League explaining via their Match Centre X account: "The referee's call of no penalty to Tottenham Hotspur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Nmecha played the ball."

During the VAR check, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith observed the Leeds player's contact with the ball.

"VAR will certainly get involved here!" he remarked. "He certainly catches Maddison. Does he get a touch on the ball? He might get the slightest - which could save him!"

Following a cautious opening 45 minutes, Tottenham appeared to be in control when Mathys Tel broke the deadlock early in the second half, beating Karl Darlow. However, Tel then became central to Leeds' leveller.

The Spurs player attempted to clear in his own box but instead caught Ethan Ampadu. A VAR check resulted in a spot-kick for Leeds, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin converting emphatically past Antonin Kinsky.

When announcing the decision, referee Gillett said: "After review, Tottenham No.11 commits a foul on the Leeds attacker. The final decision is a penalty kick."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored Leeds' equaliser against Tottenham.(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

A whopping 13 minutes of added time handed both sides the opportunity to chase a vital victory. Spurs owed much to Kinsky, whose sharp reaction save denied Sean Longstaff, before Tottenham found themselves at the centre of a penalty appeal deep into stoppage time.

Maddison's appearance marked his first outing since recovering from a lengthy knee injury, and the midfielder could prove instrumental in the club's remaining two fixtures of the campaign.

Leeds are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon (3pm) when they host Brighton at Elland Road. They then finish their season with an away trip against West Ham, a game which could be crucial in deciding the race for survival.

Spurs return to action in just over a week's time when they head to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. They will then round off their season with a home fixture against Everton on Sunday, 24 May (4pm kick-off).

- Amie Wilson