(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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James Maddison hits out instantly after shocking incident in West Ham vs Tottenham

Kyrenia Shipillis
Kyrenia Shipillis

Kyrenia is a lifelong Tottenham fan who has been writing for Tottenham News since she joined Breaking Media in 2025. She will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham in 2025. She spent several months working for the Non-League Paper and has written for the Sports Gazette. Her earliest memory of the Lilywhites is sitting alone in her dad's room in front of the telly crying into her bowl of popcorn as she watched as her team were thrashed...yet again. She is happy to report that fonder memories have since blossomed.

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Tottenham were handed a huge blow against West Ham and James Maddison has been quick to point it out.

Maddison has been sidelined for Spurs since suffering an ACL injury during Tottenham's pre-season game against Newcastle United.

The Lilywhites have since had to navigate their way without him in the Premier League with the Hammers being their latest challenge.

Spurs' game against West Ham promised fireworks. However, Maddison is convinced that an in-game decision was a step too far - albeit with Spurs going on to win emphatically in East London.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank applauds after a game with a stern expression on his face.
Thomas Frank saw Spurs easily beat West Ham (Credit: Imago)

James Maddison calls out VAR after West Ham decision

Tottenham's opening 45 minutes against the Hammers were eventful for the most part.

Cristian Romero believed he had scored Spurs' opener when a high-flying corner entered the box. But seconds after the defender had the ball in the back of the net, referee Jarred Gillett had blown the whistle for a foul.

Micky van de Ven was penalised for a double-handed push on former Spurs player Kyle Walker-Peters. The decision did not go down well with the away fans or Maddison, who took to social media to express his discontent.

Writing via X on Saturday, Maddison said: "Honestly the referees and VAR have had an absolute shocker of a start to the season.

"If that goal is disallowed for a foul you will never ever see a corner be taken without referee blowing for something ever again."

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison places his hand on his head.
James Maddison has been out injured (Credit: Imago)

VAR will not be James Maddison's only concern

Xavi Simons was signed by Tottenham in the summer following Maddison's ACL injury.

Thomas Frank was warned about Simons after his arrival. However, the former RB Leipzig star debuted for Spurs against West Ham and is expected to become a key player for the Lilywhites in the future.

Meanwhile, the Englishman has struggled with fitness since arriving in North London.

  • Maddison is expected to be sidelined for at least 40 games this season
  • The midfielder missed 24 games for Spurs prior to the 2025/26 season

Tottenham were always keen on signing another attacking midfielder, which would have competed with Maddison. But his injury means that Simons could lock down the position in the future.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the injured star as Simons started the game against the Hammers on the left wing.

While the reason behind this could be attributed to the international break, it does indicate that both Simons and Maddison could play together once he returns to the fold.

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James Maddison
Kyle Walker-Peters
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