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

PREMIER LEAGUE ISSUE STATEMENT FOLLOWING THREE CONTROVERSIAL MOMENTS DURING BRENTFORD O-1 ASTON VILLA

The Premier League released statements for three contentious refereeing incidents during Aston Villa’s 1-0 win away at Brentford.

Unai Emery’s men came out on top to seal an important three points in what was a cagey affair at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Referee Jarred Gillett oversaw several controversial moments throughout as VAR intervened to disallow a goal and he twice decided against awarding Brentford a penalty.

The ruled out strike - from Morgan Rogers shortly after Ollie Watkins scored what turned out to be the winner - was due to a very tight offside that required video intervention. Watkins had held up the ball well before cutting it back for Rogers to tuck away but Watkins was offside in the build-up, timing his run a split-second too early to reach a Jacob Ramsey through pass.

Referee Jarred Gillett had a tough game as Aston Villa beat Brentford 1-0. | AFP via Getty Images

The other controversial calls were against Brentford as winger Kevin Schade was twice bundled over in the box by Villa defender Axel Disasi but Gillett waved away the appeals on both occasions, ultimately costing the hosts a route back into the tie.

The first was a bizarre moment as Matty Cash went to clear the ball but knocked into defensive counterpart Disasi, who then bumped into Schade in a skittle effect. The second was a little more straight-forward as Disasi attempted a challenge on Schade but clumsily made slight contact with the attacker’s trailing leg.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank felt particularly aggrieved about the first incident. “It is a big, big penalty. I don't understand how VAR can't overturn it,” Frank said during the post-match press conference. “Disasi clearly took Schade out. The second one was on a softer side, but you can't go through the back of a player.”

Premier League reacts to Brentford-Villa refereeing drama

All of the incidents mentioned certainly caused a stir around the Gtech with many a debate held between supporters in attendance. As many of the key moments were disputable, the Premier League has issued three statements to clear up the calls made by the officials.

The first, relating to the disallowed goal, read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Watkins was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

The second, explaining the first penalty call being denied, said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Brentford was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Cash played the ball before a coming together between Schade and Disasi.”

The third, reasoning the second rejected penalty shout, said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Brentford following a challenge by Disasi on Schade was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be minimal and initiated by Schade.”

Emery, as he usually does, refused to speak in detail about the officials during his meeting with the press. The Spaniard did make it clear he felt Frank was wrong, though. “For me, not. Clearly not. Clearly not a penalty,” Emery said, short and sweet.

In other news, updates have emerged for Emiliano Martinez and Marco Asensio after the Villa duo missed the win at Brentford through injury.

- Charlie Haffenden

'REFEREE CAM' FOR THE FIRST TIIME

 For the first time ever watch footage from the 'Referee Cam', showing Jarred Gillett's view of Crystal Palace v Man Utd and a unique insight into the demands of officiating in the Premier League