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Premier League make huge referee decision after Mohammed Kudus Tottenham vs West Ham red card

Mohammed Kudus heads towards the tunnel after being sent off during Tottenham vs West Ham
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images))


The Premier League have made a huge Andy Madley referee decision following his involvement in the dismissal of Mohammed Kudus in Tottenham's 4-1 against West Ham over the weekend. The 41-year-old referee took charge of the London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and needed to make several important decisions in the clash.

Following Spurs' second half onslaught and just before his red card, Kudus led appeals for a penalty when his shot struck the arm of Destiny Udogie. However, Madley chose not to award a spot-kick as the Spurs defenders' arm was clearly tucked into his body with VAR of the same belief.

Just a few minutes later though, Madley and the officials at Stockley Park disagreed on a very important matter after a brawl between both sets of players, which has seen FA charges issued, ended with Kudus and Micky van de Ven both receiving yellow cards. Replays, however, showed Kudus raise his hand at Van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr.

Madley was subsequently told to go to the monitor by Chris Kavanagh and he quickly decided to change his decision and show a red card in the direction of Kudus. In the wake of the incident, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher commended the use of the technology and explained why Madley may have initially missed it.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, he said: “I think it’s a red cad. I think he [Madley] loses sight of what is going on, he’s trying to get involved, he gets banged, there, but then he misses what goes on, but VAR mops up. I think VAR did really well because it picked up the right player for the right offence and he was red carded.

“He’s rushed in, and I understand why referees do it, he's rushed in as the peacemaker for the two, but there, he gets clattered. I think at that moment he loses focus, he trying to get a view, but he’s already watching something different.

READ MORE: Tottenham handed FA charge after Mohammed Kudus fracas vs West Ham

READ MORE: Tottenham receive new Mohammed Kudus red card verdict vs West Ham as surprise VAR point made

"But the VAR picks up on the fact, not only that (the initial hit out), but a little bit later. Look at the referee, he’s actually looking the other side.” With Madley at the centre of such a controversial moment this past weekend, the Premier League have now confirmed what he will be doing this weekend.

In a new statement, announcing the roles of officials, Madley has been listed as the referee for Aston Villa's Premier League clash at home to Bournemouth. Kavanagh, meanwhile, will again be in charge of VAR for a Spurs game as they prepare to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

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