A controversial Harry Kane VAR decision in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Tuesday has social media bickering. Kane thought he had scored Spurs’ go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute but was denied after a razor-thin offside call from the video official.
You’re the video referee and you’ve been notified to review the play. The center referee awaits your decision on if the goal should stand or not.
What do you say?
Harry Kane scores, but the goal is disallowed for offsides. #SOUTOT #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/vuCmcG8E4K
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 28, 2021
Harry Kane is NOT offside. VAR proving how bad it is yet again. pic.twitter.com/3U1V94XOgk
— The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) December 28, 2021
The Harry Kane VAR offside is as marginal as you get with the tolerance level / benefit of the doubt added this season (lines don't touch).
But no matter what tolerance level you apply, there will always be the point where a player moves from onside to offside. #SOUTOT pic.twitter.com/5ar5qttWvB— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) December 28, 2021
Kane’s goal was scratched, and Tottenham settled for a point against 10-man Southampton. Fans were led to believe these marginal offside calls were a thing of the past after the Premier League introduced thicker lines to avoid controversially tight calls.
Critics of VAR’s call on Kane pointed out that the line drawn for the English striker was lined up on his elbow, not his shoulder.
"Have you ever seen @HKane score a goal with his armpit...?"@richardajkeys & Andy Gray are in absolute disbelief that Harry Kane's goal was ruled out!#beINPL #SOUTOT #Spurs pic.twitter.com/6oQHhOBX5C
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 28, 2021
This fraction of a difference cost Spurs valuable points. The man who supplied the pass, Harry Winks, probably put an axe through the TV after seeing his perfect ball was denied for the tight call.
As you would expect, the people of Twitter were divided on the call and yelled profanities at one another.
Reaction To Harry Kane VAR Decision
You can’t make it up. #VAR pic.twitter.com/MAw4AgbezC
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) December 28, 2021
not quite sure what the complaint is here? Tolerance level exceeded, lines not touching, is what it is. This would be disallowed in all VAR leagues.
— Phoenix Prince (@Phoenixprince9) December 28, 2021
Since when can you play the ball with your elbow/bicep? I hate Spurs too but c’mon, this is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/8C3JAZ3VXv
— Dave (@DaveWCronin) December 28, 2021
Kane offside by a millipedes dick - how on earth is that offside? pic.twitter.com/9Bx2ZdgHDE
— Sammy L Powell (@sammylpowell) December 28, 2021
Tottenham fans saw another goal disallowed in the 67th minute for a foul on Saints’ goalkeeper Fraser Forster in what turned out to be a dramatic 1-1 draw.
