Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a splendid 3-0 win over West Ham at London Stadium earlier today. But while the atmosphere has been all about triumph, it didn’t come without controversy this evening.
The game was poised at nil-all when the North Londoners were putting heavy pressure on the hosts with consecutive corners. One of those seven first-half corners had to give in, and it did when Cristian Romero headed in the ball. But the Argentine World Cup winner’s goal was ruled out because of a foul by Micky van de Ven, which never was one.
And that is exactly what James Maddison was arguing about…
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The England international may be sidelined with an ACL injury at the moment, but the former Foxes man looks to find himself in a bit of hot water. He went on to slam refereeing standards earlier today.
James Maddison was on the sidelines watching the game. His Lilywhites teammate Cristian Romero scored this early header, which was eventually ruled out. And he took to X to speak his mind.
Maddison went on to brand the officiating and VAR as having had “an absolute shocker” of a start to the 2025/26 season.
Taking to the social media platform, he wrote:
“Honestly the referees & 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 the referee blowing for something ever again.”
Former PGMOL chief speaks his mind on Maddison criticism
Now former PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett has spoken about how he views the frustration from Maddison. But speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, he did insist that the FA will likely be acting on that statement.
He said:
“I hope that we never stop players from expressing their opinion. I agree with his view that the season has not started well for match officials.
“I expect Maddison to be charged. The FA are clearly monitoring comments made on social media throughout all levels of the game.”
There already is a precedent regarding fines for those around the league taking to social media to vent out their opinions. We saw Nottingham Forest being put up with a hefty £750,000 fine in 2024. It was because they made a post which was accusing the referees of bias during a clash with Everton. And despite them appealing the fine,it didn’t go anywhere.
And you’d expect this exact case to be used as a precedent if Maddison is charged.
Author Opinion
While the Lilywhites finish today in second place in the Premier League. But that’s so with Maddison at risk of a hefty fine for a truth that he had to speak.
And the question here is not about the FA wanting to make an example out of him. It is just the fact that the referring has been a shambles for some time, but anyone who speaks towards a fair accountability for referees and VAR has been fined.
What do you make of the ref’s decision to scratch away Romero’s goal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.