Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has criticised referee Jarred Gillett after the Australian official denied a late penalty claim during his team's 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Tuesday morning (AEDT).
Controversial Decision
Fighting for their Premier League survival, Lukas Nmecha appeared to clip Spurs midfielder James Maddison in the 103rd minute, and a spot-kick seemed certain in north London. Gillett waved play on, and a subsequent VAR check upheld the Queenslander's decision. He had earlier awarded a penalty to the away side in the 74th minute, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted.
De Zerbi's Reaction
Speaking after the match, a visibly agitated De Zerbi argued that officials might have been influenced by events 24 hours earlier when West Ham United had a late equaliser disallowed by VAR against league leaders Arsenal.
'I think they (officials) were not calm; maybe they suffered the pressure of the Arsenal game,' the coach said. 'For sure we suffered from the pressure. We didn't play with passion with the ball, too frenetic, but also the referee (Gillett) was not calm. It was 200 per cent a foul (on Maddison), not 100 per cent, 200 per cent.'
Maddison's Return
De Zerbi was delighted to have Maddison back in the squad, as he made his first competitive appearance in 12 months after recovering from an ACL injury. 'Great news for us,' he said of Maddison's timely return. 'He is a different player in terms of his quality, and I hope he will be crucial for us.'
League Standings
The hard-fought draw leaves Spurs just one spot above the relegation zone in 17th place, moving two points clear of fellow London club West Ham. Tottenham face Chelsea away and Everton at home in their final two games, while the Hammers travel to Newcastle before hosting Leeds on the last day of the season. Burnley and Wolves have already been relegated and will play in next season's Championship.
