‘Skeptical’ Ange Postecoglou breaks silence on referee’s poor decisions during Tottenham-Chelsea game amid recent outrage on VAR

Ange Postecoglou's side were dealt 2 red cards vs Chelsea in their 4-1 defeat.

‘Skeptical’ Ange Postecoglou breaks silence on referee’s poor decisions during Tottenham-Chelsea game amid recent outrage on VAR

Ange Postecoglou (via ESPNFC)

Chelsea got the better of Tottenham Hotspur in a 4-1 demolition of the home side in the London Derby. A game that saw multiple disallowed goals, numerous VAR checks, a Nicolas Jackson hat trick, and two Spurs red cards brought VAR and refereeing to the limelight. Several fans, players, and staff have hit out against the use of the system and censured the officiating in yesterday’s match.

A ‘disappointed’ Ange Postecoglou spoke to the Press after his side blew a one-goal lead to end up losing 4-1. In a post-match interview, he said that he had ‘no complaints’ regarding the red cards dealt to both of his players – Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie. However, he spoke of the ‘constant erosion of the referee’s authority’ and said that this would result in them gradually having no authority at all.

YouTube video

Further, the Tottenham boss responded clearly when a reporter asked if he had any issues with the referee giving two red cards to his players, Udogie and Romero. Postecoglou said:

FS Video
Whatever decision's they've [referees] made, they have made. At some point we've got to accept the referees' decision. This constant erosion of referees' authority...if this is where the game's going to get then they are not going to get any authority.

Lastly, he was heard saying that ‘it is what it is’ and the team must move on focussing on the next task. While Cristian Romero‘s challenge was initially overlooked, a prolonged review handed him a straight red card.

Mikel Arteta publicly BASHES VAR after loss to Newcastle

Arsenal lost to Newcastle United due to a disputed goal that decided the match. Anthony Gordon scored after VAR reviewed potential fouls and offside situations during the build-up. They examined if the ball was out of bounds, if Joelinton fouled Gabriel Magalhães, and if there was offside.

Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta (Via X/@FabrizioRomano)

The goal stood, and Mikel Arteta was not impressed with the referee’s decision. In a post-match interview, Arteta bashed the refereeing and VAR decisions in the game. The Spanish boss said:

It's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. 20 years in this country, this was nowhere near the level this League is at.

Additionally, Arteta expressed concerns about high stakes and intense competition in the league, citing errors like the goal given to Newcastle. The club supports Arteta’s post-match remarks, condemning ref decisions and VAR mistakes.

In contrast to Arsenal and Liverpool managers’ rants, Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp respectively, Ange Postecoglou urges respect for referees’ on-field calls.

In case you missed: