Importance Score: 50 / 100 🔵
- Tottenham Hotspur were refused a last-minute leveller following an extensive VAR review lasting around six minutes.
- Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou strongly criticised the VAR system, arguing it adversely affects the flow of games.
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Under pressure Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ange Postecoglou, has revealed his passion for football is waning amidst growing frustration with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) interventions.
Postecoglou expressed concerns that the modern game has become unrecognisable, stating he anticipates watching fewer matches and potentially pursuing ‘another pastime’ after his managerial career concludes.
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“My affection for the sport is diminishing because the joy of celebrating goals is being eroded,” he admitted on Friday. “I experienced this firsthand last night, celebrating a goal that was ultimately overturned, and it feels like a heavy price to pay. I will consciously refrain from such celebrations in the future, but I consider this a regrettable aspect of the current game.”
Postecoglou engaged in a tense post-match interview and attempted to downplay an incident during the second half at Stamford Bridge. He was seen gesturing by cupping his ear in the direction of the home supporters’ section.
This gesture occurred immediately after Pape Matar Sarr’s strike in the 69th minute. Moments prior, Postecoglou had substituted Sarr for Bergvall, prompting jeers and chants of ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ from a section of the Tottenham fans.
Seemingly reacting to the fan response, Postecoglou turned towards the away section and mockingly cupped his ear.
Ange Postecoglou reiterated his disapproval of VAR and admitted feeling ‘disconnected’ from contemporary football.
The North London team suffered their 16th Premier League defeat of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Postecoglou conceded it was an error to celebrate Sarr’s goal, which was subsequently disallowed by VAR.
The Tottenham head coach stated that celebrating the goal was a misjudgment, referencing previous experiences in Scotland with similar contentious decisions, where he opted against exuberant celebrations.
“Last night, I made an error in judgment by celebrating a goal. Since VAR’s introduction, several instances in Scotland have conditioned me to avoid celebrating goals instinctively.”
“However, feeling our team needed a boost, and witnessing Pape [Matar Sarr]’s superb goal, I reacted. I also heard the supporters’ discontent and hoped to inject positive energy with a celebration, potentially shifting the game’s momentum positively. Celebrating that goal was my mistake; VAR ultimately overruled it, a lesson learned for future occasions.”