Ange Postecoglou Slams VAR After Sarr's Disallowed Goal: "It's Killing the Game"

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has strongly criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following the disallowance of Pape Matar Sarr's goal during their recent match against Chelsea. Postecoglou stated, "It's killing the game, mate. It's not the same game as it used to be."

He further expressed frustration over the lengthy decision-making process, saying, "The referee gave it and then needed six minutes to rule the goal out. It's crazy, mate. It's madness."

The incident occurred in a tightly contested match at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham. Enzo Fernández scored the decisive goal with a header early in the second half, following a well-placed cross from Cole Palmer. The match was marked by several contentious decisions, including disallowed goals for both teams—Moisés Caicedo for Chelsea and Pape Matar Sarr for Spurs—both ruled out by VAR.

Postecoglou's frustration reflects a broader concern regarding the impact of VAR on the flow and enjoyment of the game. He has previously voiced his reservations about the system, emphasizing his preference for respecting on-field referees' decisions and expressing concern that extensive VAR interventions are diminishing the authority of match officials.

The defeat leaves Tottenham with little momentum ahead of their critical European fixture, while Chelsea celebrated a morale-boosting result with the return of key players Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer.