Why Spurs’ first-half penalty at Sunderland was overturned after VAR check

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·13 April 2026

Why Spurs’ first-half penalty at Sunderland was overturned after VAR check

Spurs had a first-half penalty at the Stadium of Light overturned after VAR determined Omar Alderete played the ball.

Referee Rob Jones initially awarded the spot-kick when Randal Kolo Muani broke into the box and was challenged by Alderete, before Luke O’Nien slid in.

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VAR official James Bell recommended an on-field review. Replays showed Alderete made contact with the ball before Muani went to ground, with O’Nien’s challenge following.

After checking the monitor, Jones changed his decision.

The referee announced: “After review, home 15 clearly plays the ball first, before any subsequent contact. Final decision is a drop ball to the goalkeeper. No penalty.”

Source: Sunderland Echo