Tottenham midfielder James Maddison criticized officials for hesitating to make calls due to video assistant referee (VAR) involvement during Monday's 1-1 draw against Leeds. Maddison, subbing in after an anterior cruciate ligament injury, argued a stoppage-time handball by Lukas Nmecha warranted a penalty, but referee Jarred Gillett and VAR dismissed the appeal. The match left Spurs two points above the Premier League relegation zone with two games remaining.

Maddison shared a video on Instagram clarifying the ball deflection came from his foot, not Nmecha's, but the check concluded in 20 seconds. He called out officials for being "petrified" to act, writing: "We keep fighting. COYS.".