James Maddison criticised Premier League officials and VAR after Tottenham were denied a late penalty against Leeds, claiming referees are now “petrified” of making decisions on the pitch.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has publicly questioned the role of VAR and modern officiating after Spurs were denied a late penalty in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Leeds United.
James Maddison on his Instagram story following yesterday’s game against Leeds… pic.twitter.com/4fnpLaFYS8
— george (@StokeyyG2) May 12, 2026
The England international made his long-awaited return from injury during Monday night’s clash and almost became the hero for Tottenham deep into stoppage time.
Maddison went down inside the Leeds penalty area following a challenge from Lukas Nmecha, immediately appealing for a spot-kick as Tottenham searched desperately for a winning goal. However, referee Jarred Gillett waved away the appeals, and despite a brief VAR review, the officials decided not to overturn the on-field decision.
Fair enough, we’re actually a point better off.
That’s a penalty for me, with no touch pic.twitter.com/srebYz26df
— Central (@WestHam_Central) May 12, 2026
The match eventually ended level, with the result dealing another setback to Tottenham’s hopes of avoiding relegation under Roberto De Zerbi.
After the game, Maddison took to Instagram to express his frustration with the decision and provide his own explanation of the incident. “For clarity… The small tiny touch on the ball to change direction came from the outside of my right foot not Nmecha and I told the ref that, but the check was over in about 20 seconds,” Maddison wrote.
The midfielder also criticised the wider impact of VAR on refereeing decisions, adding: “Officials are petrified to make decisions on pitch now because of VAR. We keep fighting. COYS.”
