Tottenham handed instant VAR verdict after controversial decision in Crystal Palace clash

Ismaila Sarr was given offside during Crystal Palace's clash with Spurs (Image: Premier League)

Joe Hart and Sam Matterface were left surprised after Tottenham were handed a reprieve when Ismaila Sarr was ruled offside.

The Crystal Palace forward saw his effort loop over Guglielmo Vicario to hand the visitors the lead. However, following an intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR) and semi-automated offside, the Senegalese saw his effort chalked off.

In a tweet, Premier League Match Centre said: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Sarr was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

Co‑commentator Hart believed Sarr was onside, saying on TNT Sports: "I don't think this is offside. We had a great view, dead in line from it. It felt like Sarr running though late was a real opportunity for Crystal Palace ."

Meanwhile, Sam Matterface added: "The VAR looking at this back at Stockley Park is Nick Hopton and they are just making sure they have the accurate kick point here before they measure as to whether or not it is offside."

Following confirmation from VAR, referee Andy Madley raised his hand to signal the offside. "Is that what we’re going with, yeah?" Hart asked, before adding: "His face was offside, in front of the goal.

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"None of that looks right. None of it looks right."

Palace boss Oliver Glasner was also seen pointing to his nose shortly after, suggesting he believed that was the reason the goal was ruled out.

Moments later, the hosts scored the opening goal through Dominic Solanke before captain Micky van de Ven was sent off for denying Sarr a goal scoring opportunity . The Dutchman pulled Sarr down after the Senegalese got the wrong side of the defender.

Madley wasted no time in showing a straight red card, reducing Spurs to ten men in what was a crucial game for Igor Tudor . Sarr made no mistake from the spot, sending Vicario the wrong way.

Jorgen Strand Larsen and Sarr both found the net just before half‑time. Home supporters were seen leaving their seats after Spurs conceded the third goal.