Tottenham star risks punishment for comments on West Ham ref - 'Absolute shocker'

James Maddison could be at risk of a punishment from the FA after taking to social media to blast referee Jarred Gillett following a controversial decision during Tottenham's clash with West Ham United on Saturday evening. Spurs thought they'd taken the lead midway through the first half when Christian Romero nodded home from a corner kick.

Gillett immediately ruled the goal out, and while it was checked by VAR, Stockley Park opted to stick with the referee's original decision. However, the Tottenham players and fans alike were enraged by the decision, with plenty taking to social media to criticise the call.

Chief amongst them being Maddison, who is currently watching from home after suffering a long-term injury earlier this year. Writing on X, the Englishman said: "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."

A post from the Premier League Match Centre explained why the goal was chalked off, with it reading: "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."

Former Premier League defender Ashley Williams wasn't convinced though, telling BBC Sport: "Cristian Romero's goal should have stood. West Ham's goalkeeper pushes his own player into Micky Van der Ven, who then collides with Kyle Walker-Peters but the Tottenham player didn't initiate that contact. We've watched it back numerous times and you can see he doesn't push Walker-Peters over.

"The referee has given the decision on the field and because of that VAR is reluctant to intervene but that's what they're there for. We'd like to see more goals given and it's the wrong decision, which is frustrating."

After a goalless first half, Tottenham did eventually take the lead early in the second period, with corners once again proving problematic for West Ham. This time the goal did stand, with Pape Matar Sarr lurking at the back post to head home the opener.

Spurs added a further two before full-time, on what was another chastening night for the Hammers. Lucas Bergvall added a second, before Van de Ven made up for his involvement in the disallowed goal with a third.