Hackett Exclusive: VAR will have asked one question before Van de Ven red card in loss v Crystal Palace

Keith Hackett believes that the referee made the correct call on Micky Van de Ven’s red card during Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Dominic Solanke gave Spurs the lead just after the half-hour mark, but Van de Ven’s sending off then completely turned the game on its head.

The Dutchman hauled down Ismaila Sarr in the penalty area, and the Palace man converted from the spot to level the scores.

Jorgen Strand Larsen then put Oliver Glasner’s side in front, before Sarr added his second of the evening, sparking a fan exodus at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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VAR had key question after Van de Ven challenge

Palace began their search for an equaliser immediately after going behind, and when Strand Larsen’s header sent Sarr through on goal, he looked certain to fire in the leveller.

However, before the Senegalese winger could get to the ball, he was hauled back by Van de Ven.

Referee Andy Madley had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and showing the Spurs defender a red card.

VAR checked both decisions and concluded that Madley had made the correct call on the pitch.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, former PGMOL chief Hackett confirmed that VAR had to determine whether Van de Ven had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

“Micky Van de Ven has fouled his opponent. The question VAR has to ask is, had the foul not taken place, would the player have got his shot away, or goalkeeper gained possession?

“It is a judgement and on this the referee has made the correct call.”

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Igor Tudor will be furious with Van de Ven

Tottenham had just managed to get themselves in front against Palace before Van de Ven threw away any chance they had of victory.

Tudor was already under pressure in North London before Thursday evening’s game, and the Dutchman’s red card has only made the situation worse.

Van de Ven should’ve just let Sarr score the equaliser, rather than risking the sending off that eventually came.

It meant that Tottenham were reduced to 10 men for almost an hour, and Palace made the advantage count very quickly.

Tudor will now be fearing for his future at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Van de Ven must shoulder most of the blame.

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