‘They’re petrified’: James Maddison slams VAR ‘farce’ after penalty snub on emotional Spurs return

Following James Maddison’s controversial return to action for Tottenham Hotspur in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Monday, May 11, 2026, the 29-year-old midfielder took to Instagram to slam match officials. 

He claimed referees are now “petrified” to make on-field decisions because they rely too heavily on VAR.

While the Premier League Match Centre stated that Leeds forward Lukas Nmecha touched the ball to justify the “no penalty” decision, Maddison claimed the touch actually came from the outside of his own right foot. 

This match marked Maddison’s first appearance in a year following a brutal ACL injury suffered during a pre-season tour in South Korea. Despite the late-game frustration, Maddison thanked Spurs fans for the standing ovation when he was subbed on in the 85th minute, calling the moment the end of the “darkest days” of his career.

While maintaining his sense of humor, Maddison took to Instagram after the match to claim it was actually his foot that moved the ball, accusing referees of being scared to make decisions.

He uploaded a story that said: “For clarity… the small, tiny touch on the ball to change direction came from the outside of my right foot, not Nmecha, and I told the ref that, but the check was over in about 20 seconds.

“Officials are petrified to make decisions on the pitch now because of VAR.

“We keep fighting. COYS.”

With only two matches remaining, Tottenham Hotspur likely needs four points to mathematically guarantee safety from relegation, regardless of West Ham’s results. 

Spurs hold a significant 11-goal lead in goal difference over the Hammers-providing a crucial safety net in the standings. James Maddison returned to a high-pressure environment after being sidelined for 375 days due to his injury.

He said after the match: “That was an amazing moment that will live with me forever, the reception I got today.

“It’s been some dark days in the last year, especially since the surgery. It’s been a really tough year for me mentally.

“But I’m at the end of the tunnel now so I can kind of look back on that with fondness because I’m as mentally strong as I can be after going through it.