Tottenham midfielder James Maddison said match officials are becoming overly dependent on video technology after his late penalty claim was turned down during Monday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison said match officials are becoming overly dependent on video technology after his late penalty claim was turned down during Monday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds.
Maddison, introduced from the bench in his first appearance of the campaign following recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, went to ground in stoppage time after a challenge from Lukas Nmecha. Referee Jarred Gillett did not award a penalty, and a subsequent VAR review also upheld the on-field decision.
Following the match, which left Spurs only two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with two fixtures remaining, Maddison voiced his frustration on Instagram, insisting the decisive touch on the ball had come from his own foot rather than Nmecha’s intervention.
In his post, Maddison said he immediately explained the incident to the referee, stressing that the slight change in the ball’s direction resulted from his own contact. He also criticised the speed of the review process, claiming the check lasted around 20 seconds.
The 29-year-old argued that referees are now fearful of making calls themselves because of VAR’s influence, suggesting officials hesitate under the system rather than trusting their judgement.
His comments continued a pattern of criticism toward refereeing standards this season, having already accused officials and VAR of making a poor start to the campaign in September after PGMOL chief Howard Webb introduced a “less intervention” approach in the Premier League.
Maddison’s complaints add to a broader debate surrounding video technology in football, with several prominent former players and pundits also expressing dissatisfaction.
BBC pundit Alan Shearer has said refereeing quality is at its lowest level in recent times and believes VAR has worsened matters. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock described the system as the worst innovation brought into football, while ex-England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney argued that technology is stripping emotion from the sport.
Growing concerns over officiating standards have prompted UEFA to call representatives from Europe’s major domestic leagues to a summer meeting focused on VAR’s application.
Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's head of referees, said the game may have lost sight of the original purpose behind introducing the technology, signalling that its broader use and impact will come under renewed scrutiny.
