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Tottenham Draws, Stays Up; Maddison Returns, Blames VAR

5/13/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Maddison Blames VAR

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Leeds United on 12 May 2026, staying above relegation.
James Maddison returned from an ACL injury, entered in the 85th minute and claimed officials were “petrified” of VAR after they denied his penalty on Lukas Nmecha’s challenge.
Roberto De Zerbi said Tottenham have the quality to stay in the league, criticised the referee and noted the club can request a PGMOL explanation or lodge a complaint.

Summary

Maddison Opens Up

James Maddison said his year-long ACL recovery involved “dark days” but he now feels mentally strong.
Maddison posted on Instagram that the ball’s movement came from the outside of his right foot, not Lukas Nmecha, and said officials were “petrified” to decide.
Jamie O’Hara called the non-award “a penalty,” accused referee Jarred Gillett of “bottling it,” and noted the ruling took 49 seconds, unlike a recent four-minute West Ham review.

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Maddison Blames VAR

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Leeds United on 12 May 2026, staying above relegation.
James Maddison returned from an ACL injury, entered in the 85th minute and claimed officials were “petrified” of VAR after they denied his penalty on Lukas Nmecha’s challenge.
Roberto De Zerbi said Tottenham have the quality to stay in the league, criticised the referee and noted the club can request a PGMOL explanation or lodge a complaint.

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