Premier League forced into Tottenham VAR statement after Bournemouth controversy

The Premier League has provided clarification on why AFC Bournemouth had a goal disallowed during their thrilling 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The match, which saw both teams share the spoils, was not without its moments of controversy, particularly surrounding the disallowed goal that could have given Bournemouth a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

Bournemouth started the game brightly and deservedly took the lead just before halftime through James Tavernier, who finished off a well-worked move with a stretching effort.

The Cherries thought they had doubled their advantage six minutes into the second half when Justin Kluivert finished a blistering counterattack with a clinical strike. However, their celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened to rule out the goal.

The Premier League later released a statement explaining the decision, stating, “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that [Antoine] Semenyo was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

While the decision itself was not controversial, as Semenyo was clearly offside, the incident sparked debate due to the assistant referee’s failure to raise the flag in real time. This delay allowed the play to continue, leading to Kluivert’s finish and subsequent VAR review.

The hesitation in making offside calls has been a point of contention among managers, who argue that it could lead to unnecessary injuries as players continue to compete in situations that should have been stopped earlier.

Despite the setback, Bournemouth eventually extended their lead in the 65th minute through Evanilson, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0.

However, Tottenham showed resilience and fought back in dramatic fashion. Pape Matar Sarr ignited hopes of a comeback with a stunning strike just two minutes after Bournemouth’s second goal. The momentum shifted further in Spurs’ favor when Kepa Arrizabalaga fouled Son Heung-min in the penalty area. Son stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, ensuring the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

The result leaves Tottenham with mixed feelings as they reflect on a game that could have easily slipped away from them. While the late comeback demonstrated their fighting spirit, the performance highlighted ongoing issues, particularly in defense and midfield.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, will feel hard done by after dominating large portions of the game and seeing a legitimate goal disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.

Looking ahead, Tottenham face a crucial week as they prepare for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar. The first leg ended in a narrow defeat, and Spurs will need to overturn the deficit to keep their European hopes alive.

Following that, they travel to Fulham on Sunday in their final Premier League fixture before the international break. These matches represent an opportunity for Ange Postecoglou’s side to regain momentum and address the inconsistencies that have plagued their season.

For Bournemouth, the draw extends their impressive run of form under Andoni Iraola, who has transformed the team into a competitive force in the Premier League.

Despite the disappointment of the disallowed goal, the Cherries can take pride in their performance and continue to push for a top-half finish.

The incident involving VAR and the disallowed goal has reignited discussions about the use of technology in football. While VAR has undoubtedly improved decision-making accuracy, delays in flagging offside calls and the subsequent impact on the flow of the game remain contentious issues.

Managers and fans alike will hope for greater clarity and efficiency in the application of VAR as the season progresses.

As both teams move forward, the focus will be on building on the positives from this match. Tottenham must address their defensive vulnerabilities and find consistency in their performances, while Bournemouth will aim to maintain their upward trajectory.

The Premier League continues to deliver drama and excitement, and this match was no exception, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in what promises to be a thrilling season.