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Premier League release statement on Tottenham controversy after Bergvall VAR decision

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 9:53 AM ET

Premier League comes clean following Lucas Bergvall VAR call in Tottenham vs Southampton

Tottenham appear to be back on track with a commanding 3-1 victory over already-relegated Southampton. From the outset, the North London side took control, with Guglielmo Vicario stepping up to deny the visitors on the rare occasions they threatened.

The match wasn’t without controversy, as Lucas Bergvall’s goal was ruled out by VAR, a decision the Premier League later moved to clarify . Still, the result offered a much-needed boost for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who now turn their focus to a pivotal Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Lilywhites initially seized the momentum through Brennan Johnson and looked set to double their lead when Lucas Bergvall found the net following a sharp assist from Son Heung-min. However, VAR swiftly intervened, ruling out the goal after determining that Cristian Romero, who made the initial contact, was marginally offside.

The decision added to Ange Postecoglou’s growing frustration with VAR, coming hot on the heels of Pape Sarr’s stunning goal against Chelsea being chalked off due to a foul in the build-up. In a twist of irony, that moment had occurred just after Postecoglou publicly admitted he was falling out of love with football because of VAR’s impact. Fortunately for Spurs, this latest controversy had no major effect on the outcome, as they still managed to claim a comfortable three points.

Premier League issues a statement

The decision appeared harsh, with Romero only marginally offside, but after a swift review by VAR official Graham Scott, the goal was ruled out. The Premier League promptly released a statement on X explaining the call:

“VAR checked the referee’s decision to award the goal and determined that Romero was in an offside position in the build-up, recommending the goal be disallowed.”

Tottenham didn’t have to wait long to reassert their dominance, with Brennan Johnson netting his second of the match after coolly finishing off a pinpoint cross from James Maddison to make it 2-0. Southampton, on the other hand, posed little threat throughout the opening 45 minutes, managing just one tame effort on goal as Spurs controlled proceedings with ease. The game eventually ended 3-1 in our favour.

Postecoglou’s ongoing battle with VAR feels never-ending, but with only a handful of Premier League matches remaining, the drama may finally be nearing its conclusion. What matters more now is that Spurs seem to have rediscovered a sense of belief and momentum. With renewed motivation and visible hunger, Tottenham look ready to show true grit in their all-important Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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