VAR CONTROVERSY ERUPTS: Tottenham’s clash with Brentford descended into chaos after another contentious VAR decision thrust Cristian Romero into the spotlight. Supporters are furious, analysts are divided, and the replays have only intensified the debate. Once again, a single call threatens to steal the show. – VANII
Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw at Brentford in a lackluster Premier League match, with Cristian Romero avoiding a red card for a tackle on Igor Thiago after a VAR review.
The Premier League has clarified why Romero was not sent off during Tottenham’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford side aimed to build on their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, but his return to Brentford ended in a goalless draw with little excitement.
Romero could have faced a straight red card for a potential denial of a goal-scoring opportunity in the second half, but referee Andy Madley chose to let him stay on the field.
VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the on-field decision, stating on the Premier League Match Centre X account that “the referee’s call of no red card to Romero for a potential DOGSO offence was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no clear and obvious error identified.”
This marked the second recent occasion Romero avoided a red card for a tackle on Thiago. In a previous match, VAR briefly paused play to assess a “dangerous” challenge, but the decision was ultimately a yellow card for the Argentine defender. The Premier League Match Centre explained that “the referee’s yellow card decision was checked and confirmed by VAR – deemed a reckless challenge.”
Following the match, Brentford boss Keith Andrews argued that Romero should have been sent off, commenting, “It should have been a red card, and he should have received one in the first game 26 days ago for a scissors tackle.”
Brentford had an early goal by Kevin Schade in the first 10 minutes ruled out for offside, and neither side created significant chances throughout the game. Spurs’ Archie Gray thought he won a penalty after being clipped in the box, but Madley dismissed the appeal, and VAR upheld the decision.
Thomas Frank brought on Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel to try to change the game, but they couldn’t make an impact. The match was also notable as the first missed by last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson, who is nearing a £33.5million move to Crystal Palace. Johnson reportedly learned from Frank and sporting director Fabio Paratici on New Year’s Eve that he was not part of Tottenham’s future plans.