Injured Spurs star James Maddison took to social media to vent his frustration at the quality of refereeing in his side's London derby against rivals West Ham. The attacking midfielder was reacting to the decision to rule out Cristian Romero's goal for a foul by Micky van de Ven. Maddison also took aim at the officials for their start to the new season.

  • Maddison says refs and VAR are having 'an absolute shocker'

    The 27-year-old did not limit his criticism of the standard of refereeing in the Premier League to one incident. He claimed VAR and on-field referees have had "an absolute shocker" to start the season. 

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  • Van de Ven judged to have fouled Walker-Peters

    Romero's 27th minute header was chalked off after the VAR and on-field referee Jarred Gillet ruled that van de Ven had pushed Kyle Walker-Peters, halting the West Ham defender from attacking the ball. Maddison suggested referees would be blowing their whistle at every dead ball if such decisions became commonplace. 

  • Pundits agree with Madison's opinion

    At half-time, pundits Jamie Redknapp and Gianfranco Zola both criticised the decision. "I just don't think it's enough," said Redknapp. The intervention of the VAR comes after fierce criticism of the decision to rule out Josh King's goal against Chelsea a fortnight ago. 

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    What next for Spurs and West Ham?

    Spurs will be hoping for better luck with the referees when they open their Champions League campaign against Villarreal on Tuesday. An embattled West Ham continue their Premier League campaign when they host Crystal Palace on September 20.