Leeds United stun Tottenham as VAR decisions fuel controversy

Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with Noah Okafor’s late goal settling a match overshadowed by two contentious refereeing decisions.

Okafor struck in the 79th minute, firing a powerful effort to give the hosts all three points in the Premier League on 21 November 2026.

Omar Marmoush started for Tottenham but was substituted in the 65th minute. The defeat ended Spurs’ run of three successive league victories and left them with 12 points from 10 matches, placing them 11th in the table.

Leeds moved up to eighth with 14 points.

The most disputed incident involved Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle and Tottenham forward Matthias Tel. Tel suffered severe pain after Bogle caught his Achilles near the halfway line, but the Leeds defender was not shown even a yellow card.

Video assistant referee Tony Harrington carried out a lengthy review but did not advise referee John Brooks to consult the pitchside monitor.

The Premier League match centre later issued a statement confirming that the decision not to show Bogle a red card had been reviewed and upheld.

“I confirm the on-field decision of no red card,” the VAR said. “There was not a high speed in the challenge, and he moved towards the ball. I confirm that the challenge was reckless.”

Tottenham’s frustration increased when Tel was forced to leave the pitch, despite initially attempting to continue.

The Bogle incident was not the only decision to attract attention during the first half. Leeds also appealed for a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Matheus Fernandes’ hand.

Brooks rejected the appeal, and Harrington supported the referee’s decision following a VAR review. The protests from the home side were therefore dismissed and play continued without a spot-kick being awarded.

Leeds eventually found the breakthrough through Okafor, whose finish secured a notable home win and inflicted a setback on Tottenham after their strong run of results.