Premier League release official statement over Tottenham vs Crystal Palace controversy
Tottenham’s first half against Crystal Palace was filled with controversy, particularly the moment in which Ismaila Sarr thought he had initially put the visitors in front before a three-goal mauling.
Spurs hosted the Eagles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a crucial Premier League match on Thursday in the Lilywhites’ fight for survival.
The game got off to a flying start, with both teams looking for an opener, as Oliver Glasner thought Sarr had his side one goal to the good.
The goal was initially given by referee Andy Madley and his officials, until VAR took a detailed look.
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This is what the Premier League said on Ismaila Sarr incident
The Premier League’s Match Centre announcement on X confirmed that VAR established the Palace forward to be in an offside position, and therefore recommended it to be disallowed.
Initially, the decision was huge for Igor Tudor and Tottenham, as Dominic Solanke then went on to score the opening goal of the contest.
However, a reckless moment from Micky van de Ven saw the Spurs defender get sent off moments after Solanke’s effort, resulting in a penalty that Sarr then dispatched to finally earn his goal.
The first-half horror show then continued for the Lilywhites when Jorgen Strand Larsen fired Crystal Palace into the lead before Sarr netted a third for the visitors.
A truly horrible first half that could have so easily been avoided.
Why this first-half mess rests on Micky van de Ven’s shoulders
Spurs may have gotten a lucky escape with Sarr’s initial offside goal, and the Lilywhites looked like they were starting to come into the game.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finally had something to celebrate when Solanke fired the Lilywhites in front, and it felt like victory was possible for all of four minutes before van de Ven’s dismissal.
- Crystal Palace had 66% possession
- The visitors created 1.40 xG
Giving away a penalty is one thing, but leaving your side with a man down a man so early on in a game is another.
Had he not committed the foul on Sarr, everything could have been different, as Tudor could even be sacked now after three games.
For more expert reaction on Tottenham and Igor Tudor updates, head to Football Insider.