'Absolute shocker': James Maddison reacts as Premier League explain disallowed Tottenham goal vs West Ham

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Evening Standard

·13. September 2025

'Absolute shocker': James Maddison reacts as Premier League explain disallowed Tottenham goal vs West Ham

Spurs see first-half goal controversially disallowed in London derby against West Ham

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James Maddison has delivered a scathing verdict on Cristian Romero’s disallowed goal during Tottenham’s London derby against West Ham.

Spurs captain Romero thought he had broken the deadlock in the 18th minute at the London Stadium as he headed Mohammed Kudus’ corner into the back of the net.

However, the central defender’s celebrations were cut short as referee Jarred Gillett blew his whistle having spotted a foul in the box.

A message from the Premier League match centre reads: “The referee’s call of no goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that van de Ven pushed Walker-Peters in the back and impacted his ability to play the ball.”

Replays did show the decision was rather soft and Maddison - currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the summer - hit out at the decision.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Maddison wrote: “Honestly the referees & VAR have had an absolute shocker of a start to the season.

“If that goal is disallowed for a foul you will never ever see a corner be taken without referee blowing for something ever again.”

Spurs’ have returned to Premier League action against West Ham. This game marks the first fixture for the north London outfit since the surprise departure of Daniel Levy as executive chairman.

Members of the Lewis family have been spotted in the stands at the London Stadium as they hope to oversee a return to winning ways on the pitch following the 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth before the international break.

A testing period awaits new head coach Thomas Frank as his Spurs side will play seven games in 21 days - including the start of their Champions League campaign against Villarreal in midweek.