Premier League releases official explanation after first-half Tottenham controversy against Crystal Palace

The Premier League Match Centre has provided clarification after Tottenham were controversially denied what looked to be a vital early goal against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Spurs headed into Sunday’s clash eager to bounce back from successive defeats to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, and they thought they had the ideal start when Richarlison scored in the 17th minute, sending the travelling support into celebration.

Those celebrations were quickly cut short, though, as VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for offside in the build-up. Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall combined smartly down the right, trading passes before Porro delivered a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. Richarlison was quickest to react, finishing from close range after also scoring in Spurs’ previous match at the City Ground.

However, VAR judged that Bergvall had moved beyond the last defender before laying the ball back to Porro, leading to the goal being disallowed.

The Premier League Match Centre later confirmed the call on X, explaining:
“VAR checked the referee’s decision of goal and identified that Bergvall was in an offside position during the build-up, recommending that the goal be overturned.”

Tottenham eventually found a breakthrough just before the interval, as Archie Gray enjoyed a landmark moment by netting his first senior goal. The teenager headed home from close range after Richarlison flicked on a corner to put Spurs ahead.

Richarlison’s frustration, however, continues to simmer. Despite often being criticised since his expensive switch from Everton, his goal return this season suggests a more positive picture.

The Brazilian arrived at Selhurst Park joint-fifth in the Premier League scoring charts, level with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Still, many of his goals have come in defeats, reducing their overall significance.

That situation could become more problematic with Dominic Solanke close to regaining full fitness. The England international has seen limited action under Thomas Frank due to injury, but once available, he is expected to return to the starting XI—potentially pushing Richarlison further down the pecking order.