Leeds beat Spurs as Bogle escapes red card after lengthy VAR review

Leeds beat Tottenham 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday, but a first-half challenge by Jayden Bogle on Mathys Tel prompted debate over whether the Leeds defender should have been sent off. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said his side deserved to lose after a poor second half, rather than blaming the officials for the defeat.

Referee John Brooks gave a foul but no card after Bogle stood on Tel’s ankle. The video assistant referee, Tony Harrington, reviewed the incident for more than four minutes and upheld the decision. Tel was unable to continue with a bruised left foot.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren McCann told BBC Sport that Bogle was fortunate to stay on the pitch, saying the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play. BBC football issues correspondent Dale Johnson, however, noted that the contact came as Bogle was planting his foot, rather than making a lunging tackle. He said the VAR’s explanation was that Bogle was stepping into the challenge and there was a lack of speed, making a red-card review less likely.

The decision remained contentious: former Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown said it would create debate. De Zerbi said he had confidence in the referee and VAR, while adding that he could not say whether they had made the right call. He criticised the decision to book Pedro Porro early in the second half, but said Tottenham’s performance was the greater concern.

“We deserved to lose the game in the second half and didn't play like we can,” De Zerbi told TNT Sports. He said his side lacked the character and physicality to play like a top team.

The defeat was Tottenham’s first in the Premier League since September. Leeds, meanwhile, claimed their first win since that month.