Premier League releases official statement on Tottenham’s first-half controversy versus Crystal Palace

The Premier League Match Centre has provided an official explanation after Tottenham were controversially denied what could have been a key early goal at Selhurst Park. Spurs visited Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon eager to bounce back following consecutive losses to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

The match seemed to start perfectly for Tottenham when Richarlison struck in the 17th minute, prompting celebrations among the travelling fans in South London. However, the joy was short-lived, as a VAR review overturned the goal, ruling it out for offside.

The move began with Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall combining well down the right wing, exchanging passes before Porro delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box. Richarlison was quickest to react, tapping the ball in after scoring in Spurs’ previous match at the City Ground.

VAR, however, determined that Bergvall had moved beyond the last defender before passing back to Porro, leading to the goal being disallowed. The Premier League Match Centre later confirmed the decision on X, explaining:

“VAR checked the referee’s call of goal and found that Bergvall was in an offside position in the build-up, recommending the goal be ruled out.”

Tottenham finally broke the deadlock just before half-time, with Archie Gray scoring his first senior goal. The young midfielder nodded in from close range after Richarlison flicked on a corner to put Spurs ahead.

Meanwhile, Richarlison’s frustrations continue. Despite criticism since his high-profile move from Everton, his scoring record this season paints a different picture. The Brazilian came into the match as the Premier League’s joint-fifth top scorer, level with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, though many of his goals have come in losing efforts, limiting their impact.

This situation could become more challenging with Dominic Solanke nearing full fitness. The England forward has barely featured under Thomas Frank due to injury, but once fit, he is likely to reclaim a regular starting position, potentially pushing Richarlison further down the pecking order.