The refereeing decisions from Leeds United’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham on Monday night are still a major talking point, with James Maddison making his frustration with VAR clear after the match.
Leeds were awarded a penalty after Mathys Tel caught Ethan Ampadu with a high boot, although referee Jarred Gillett only gave the spot-kick after being advised by VAR to review the incident.
Tottenham supporters were then left furious late in stoppage time when appeals for a penalty were waved away following Lukas Nmecha’s challenge on Maddison.
Jamie O’Hara has already criticised both the referee and VAR over the decision, while Maddison insisted the touch on the ball, which was seen as the key reason Spurs were denied a penalty, actually came off the outside of his own boot rather than Nmecha making contact first.
James Maddison faces a potential suspension charge
In his Instagram rant, the Tottenham midfielder insisted that the referee was petrified of deciding because of VAR, even though he told Gillett that he touched the ball, and he has found support.
This could land him in trouble with the FA, and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett expects the governing body to review the post and potentially charge him, which could lead to a fine or suspension.
He conceded that from the outside, it seems the Spurs star questioned the integrity of the referee, which is likely to attract the ire of the FA.
Hackett told Football Insider: “This post will be reviewed by the FA Disciplinary Department, which will determine if it brings into question the integrity of the referee.
“If they decide that it does, he will be written to and asked for his observations, which then may result in a charge, and if found guilty, may result in a fine or suspension.
“In my opinion, it does question the match official’s integrity, and he should be charged, but watch this space.”
The Spurs star just returned to action
Tottenham would be desperate to see the midfielder avoid a suspension as he only returned to action against Leeds after recovering from a serious knee injury.
His impact on the game was evident, and Spurs will need his services in the last two games to ensure they do not get relegated from the Premier League.
If the FA decides to charge him and potentially suspend him for his comments, it would be a major blow to Spurs’ survival hopes.
Maddison felt that he was clearly fouled inside the box. However, his comments about ‘petrified’ referees and VAR could land him in big trouble.
