James Maddison risks FA action after slamming 'petrified' officials in VAR row

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James Maddison could face potential disciplinary action after hitting out at "petrified" referees following a penalty appeal that was waved away during Monday night's 1-1 draw against Leeds United . Tottenham Hotspur squandered a 1-0 advantage to drop points at home to Daniel Farke's side.

The Lilywhites did, however, have a late penalty shout when Maddison went down under a challenge from Lukas Nmecha in stoppage time. Referee Jarred Gillett dismissed the appeals, though a VAR review subsequently followed.

The original ruling was ultimately upheld. In a statement on their Match Centre X account, the Premier League confirmed: "The referee's call of no penalty to Tottenham Hotspur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Nmecha played the ball."

Maddison has now spoken out about the incident, putting himself at risk of FA disciplinary action with his comments about referees and VAR.

Taking to his Instagram stories, he wrote: "For clarity... The small tiny touch on the ball to change direction came from the outside of my right foot not Nmecha and I told the ref that but the check was over in about 20 seconds.

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"Officials are petrified to make decisions on the pitch now because of VAR. We keep fighting. COYS" Monday night's encounter was progressing favourably for Spurs when Mathys Tel broke the deadlock early in the second half with a spectacular effort beyond Karl Darlow. But Tel also played a part in Leeds' leveller.

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The former Bayern Munich attacker attempted to hack the ball clear in his own box, but caught Ethan Ampadu.

A VAR check resulted in Leeds being awarded a penalty, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving Antonin Kinsky with no chance from 12 yards.

The frantic fixture saw 13 minutes of stoppage time added, offering both sides an opportunity to claim a vital victory.

Spurs had Kinsky to thank for denying Sean Longstaff with a superb reflex stop. There was then the penalty appeal for Tottenham in the dying moments of added time.

Maddison's appearance marked his first action since recovering from a long-term knee injury. The midfielder could prove a vital figure in the final two fixtures of the campaign.

Spurs are next in action in just over a week when they make the trip to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.