De Zerbi declines to blame officials as Spurs' momentum fades in Leeds defeat
Tottenham's first Premier League loss since September came amid controversy over Jayden Bogle's unchallenged tackle on Mathys Tel, but Roberto de Zerbi pointed to his side's second-half display rather than the referee.
Tottenham suffered their first Premier League defeat since September, losing 1-0 at Leeds United on Saturday, in a match overshadowed by a first-half incident that left Mathys Tel unable to continue. Leeds defender Jayden Bogle caught the Frenchman's left foot with his studs while the game was still goalless and Spurs were arguably on top at Elland Road.
Referee John Brooks did not show a card. A VAR review lasting more than four minutes, conducted entirely by officials at Stockley Park without Brooks being sent to the pitchside monitor, confirmed the on-field decision of no red card, citing a lack of speed into the challenge and Bogle stepping into the tackle. Because Brooks had not initially cautioned the defender, Bogle escaped any punishment.
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren McCann told BBC Sport that Bogle was fortunate, arguing the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play by endangering an opponent's safety. The incident drew comparisons with Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was sent off after a VAR review for a similar challenge against Spurs the previous weekend, though Mateta's lunging tackle with studs leading was judged to carry more force.
By the time play resumed, less than nine minutes of the first half remained, and Tottenham's momentum and composure appeared to drain away. After the break, the visitors were outworked and outplayed by Leeds. Early in the second half, Pedro Porro and De Zerbi were both booked following a challenge by the Spanish defender.
De Zerbi, however, refused to pin the result on the officiating. He said his side deserved to lose and did not play like a top team in the second half, citing a lack of character and physicality, while describing the game as part of a learning journey. He also expressed full confidence in the referee and VAR, adding that he could not say whether the right decision had been made.
Former Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live that the no-red-card call would create debate. The episode leaves questions over the review process, while De Zerbi's focus remains on his team's second-half shortcomings.
