sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Roberto De Zerbi gives realest take on Arsenal and West Ham VAR controversy
Home>Football>Football News
Updated 09:41 12 May 2026 GMT+1Published 08:27 12 May 2026 GMT+1

Roberto De Zerbi gives realest take on Arsenal and West Ham VAR controversy

De Zerbi spoke about the Arsenal VAR saga after his Spurs side drew 1-1 with Leeds on Monday night.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has given his verdict on the VAR saga involving West Ham and Arsenal.

The Hammers had a 95th-minute equaliser disallowed during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday after a foul on goalkeeper David Raya.

Jean-Clair Todibo was seen pulling Raya's shirt as he contested a corner, while striker Pablo dug his arm into Raya's neck.

There have been differing views over whether the decision was the correct one, though Danny Murphy, speaking on Match of the Day, claimed that there would not be a discussion on the incident had it not involved Arsenal.

Advert

Read more: 'Just because it's Arsenal...' - Danny Murphy praised for best response to West Ham VAR controversy

West Ham are reportedly set to launch a complaint with PGMOL, the Premier League's refereeing body, over the decision.

Former top-flight official Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports that VAR made the 'right decision', explaining: "When you watch it, there is so much going on and so much to look at.

"What happens is you have to go in chronological order ... the first foul is definitely by Pablo."

De Zerbi on Arsenal and VAR

Spurs boss De Zerbi was asked about the incident after his side's 1-1 draw against Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night.

Spurs would ultimately be on the receiving end of VAR twice in the match, as Leeds were awarded a penalty over Mathys Tel's high boot before being denied a spot kick in injury time after a coming together between James Maddison and Lukas Nmecha.

That meant the topic of VAR took on even more significance in De Zerbi's post-match press conference, with the Italian referencing the incident involving Raya.

"I think they [the officials] were not calm today," he said. "Maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday, the West Ham and Arsenal game, the VAR.

"For sure, we suffered the pressure today, because of the speed of the ball, the order on the pitch. We didn't play with passion with the ball. [We were] frenetic.

"But also, the referee was not calm today. I don't know, I can't understand the polemic about yesterday's VAR, because he [Raya] was fouled 200 per cent. Not 100 per cent. 200 per cent. If you want to speak about football."

Featured Image Credit: Hayters TV / Getty

Topics: Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, VAR

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Recommended reads

Gareth Barry on Thomas Tuchel advice, England squad picks and World Cup: 'He’ll be fighting'GettyAteba Gautier was called the 'future' by Joe Rogan, but he's more interested in what his cats thinkMike Roach/Zuffa LLC'I’ll smash up my next few opponents': Daniel Dubois talks Fury vs Joshua, Jake Paul crossover and avenging Usyk defeatsBrooks Running'I don't want to be missing anymore' - Jamie Vardy drops retirement hint as he talks Netflix documentaryNetflix / Untold UK: Jamie Vardy

Advert

  • Jamie Carragher gives best breakdown yet of Arsenal and West Ham VAR controversy
  • West Ham take action after controversial Arsenal VAR call as referee sets record straight
  • 'Just because it's Arsenal'... - Danny Murphy praised for best response to West Ham VAR controversy
  • Referee explains 'real reason' for controversial VAR call in West Ham vs Arsenal and it changes everything

Choose your content:

3 mins ago
5 mins ago
an hour ago
  • Getty
    3 mins ago

    Ex-Liverpool villain El Hadji Diouf handed prison suspended sentence

    Diouf made 80 appearances for Liverpool before going on to play for several Premier League clubs.

    Football
  • Getty Images - X
    5 mins ago

    The truth behind leaked Pep Guardiola video that has sparked leaving rumours

    Guardiola could be seen walking amongst 18 trophies on the Etihad pitch.

    Football
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Robert Lewandowski set to accept jaw-dropping salary to move to new league

    The Barcelona forward's current deal is set to expire this summer.

    Football
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    FIFA told to take action immediately or risk player health at World Cup

    The tournament gets underway on June 11.

    Football