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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

'Worst VAR decision ever' as Harry Kane goal for Tottenham vs Sheffield United disallowed

VAR controversy reared its head once more on Thursday evening as a Harry Kane goal for Tottenham against Sheffield United was ruled out for a Lucas Moura handball.

Jamie Redknapp labelled it "one of the worst decisions I've ever seen".

The Blades had taken the lead in the 31st minute of the game at Bramall Lane through Sander Berge.

But straight from the restart Spurs thought they had equalised as Kane fired past Dean Henderson from just inside the box.

However, a VAR review disallowed the strike after it found the ball had deflected to Kane via the hand of Moura - after it was smashed against him in the build-up while he was falling to the floor having been fouled.

Harry Kane thought he had drawn Tottenham level (PA)
But VAR ruled it out after deciding the ball had made contact with Lucas Moura's arm as he fell to the floor (Sky Sports)

The decision was met with dismay on social media, with a number of figures within football unable to understand how the goal was not given.

Fleetwood manager Joey Barton simply tweeted the word "VAR" along with an emoji of a poo.

Former Spurs striker Mido, meanwhile, said: "How on earth is this a handball? Crazy!!! Goal disallowed!!!"

Jose Mourinho was unsurprisingly livid (REUTERS)

A Premier League statement read: "After consulting the VAR, referee Chris Kavanagh has overturned the goal because of a Lucas Moura handball in the build-up Sheff Utd 1-0 Spurs."

Att half-time Sky Sports pundit Redknapp said: "This is one of the worst decisions I've ever seen. Why can't see show common sense at times like this?

“Why can’t we show common sense at times like this? I get it’s difficult for Michael Oliver. He’s the best referee in the Premier League and he’s probably thinking ‘what do I do? It’s the letter of the law’.

"It's a horrendous decision. Anyone can say that's the right thing is completely wrong.

“It’s ruining football.”

Kane could not believe his goal had been disallowed (2020 Pool)

Jose Mourinho appeared perplexed, and was warned by officials after reacting angrily to both the disallowed goal and an apparent elbow on Heung-min Son by Oliver Norwood.

It is a big game for both sides in the chase for Champions League football, with the winners leapfrogging Arsenal into seventh place.

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