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VAR overturned Neco Williams’ goal in goalless draw

9/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Oliver Glasner said VAR should not have disallowed Neco Williams' goal.
VAR official Peter Bankes ruled the goal out, citing an immediate handball by Williams.
The match finished 0-0, giving Tottenham Hotspur their first point of the season.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said he was not worried despite the goalless draw and lack of shots.

History

Historical Context

After the IFAB approved VAR on 16 March 2018, FIFA appointed 13 video-assistant referees on 30 April 2018, launching the technology at the 2018 World Cup where it reviewed about 4,500 incidents across 64 games. Peter Bankes, one of those officials, later disallowed Neco Williams’ strike for Tottenham, echoing the hand-ball reversal that erased France’s goal against Argentina.

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Story summary

Oliver Glasner said VAR should not have disallowed Neco Williams' goal.
VAR official Peter Bankes ruled the goal out, citing an immediate handball by Williams.
The match finished 0-0, giving Tottenham Hotspur their first point of the season.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said he was not worried despite the goalless draw and lack of shots.

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