Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has admitted to the London Evening Standard that he was shocked when Brighton & Hove Albion’s goal wasn’t ruled out yesterday.
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg was clearly chopped down by Solly March on the edge of Tottenham’s box in the build-up to Brighton’s leveller, but referee Graham Scott opted against taking the advice of the VAR and stuck by his original decision.
With Tottenham’s players and management team all able to see the incident there was a collective bewilderment over Scott’s decision, with Dier admitting he was baffled by the failure to award his side a free-kick.
But Dier was pleased with how his side responded, with Gareth Bale ultimately sealing the winner late on for Spurs.
“It’s not easy when I can see the screen from the side of the pitch,” Dier said.
“It’s not easy to accept that kind of decision. It’s quite clear to everyone [that it was a foul].
“I’m very confused as to why it wasn’t taken back to the foul. I can’t understand any reason why it wasn’t. So in the moment it’s very difficult.
“But I think we reacted really well. We were resilient. We scored pretty quickly afterwards which I think was important because if things go on a bit longer and you don’t get that goal, it can become frustrating.”
The incident has thrown up further questions about the effectiveness of VAR, with Jose Mourinho suggesting that he would like the system scrapped after the game.
Spurs have had some rotten luck with officiating decisions this season, although they did receive some fortune earlier in the game, as they were awarded a controversial penalty when Adam Lallana clattered into the back of Harry Kane.
Tottenham’s win last night has lifted them up to second place in the Premier League table.
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