Spurs fans rage at VAR decision that could cost them Premier League survival

Spurs supporters are fuming after seeing what they believe was the wrong decision during West Ham’s 2-1 win over Everton, which preserved the Hammers’ two-point buffer over Tottenham.

On Saturday (April 25), both West Ham and Spurs won their respective Premier League matches, meaning Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain in the relegation zone with four matches remaining.

Just when Spurs’ trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers looked to be heading for a dull 0-0 draw, Joao Palhinha’s strike secured the side’s first Premier League win of 2026.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson’s 93rd-minute strike saw Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat Everton 2-1 in a game which looked to be heading for a draw after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s equaliser two minutes from time. Tomas Soucek had put the Hammers 1-0 up earlier in the first half.

And despite those heading back to north London this evening likely feeling a lot better after seeing Spurs win, several fans believe a decision in West Ham’s game could cost Tottenham their Premier League status.

With West Ham leading 1-0 in the 84th minute, Everton forward Thierno Barry attempted to shield the ball from Mateus Fernandes in the penalty area.

As the West Ham player put his arms around the Everton forward, the ball appeared to make contact with his hand, although no penalty was given.

Absolute disgrace. How is this not a penalty? VAR said ‘natural grappling’ #WHUEVE pic.twitter.com/Es9UufOS9I

— Ryan 🐝 (@Ryan_EFC1878) April 25, 2026

The Premier League Match Centre posted the following statement after the incident: “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR, with it deemed that Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent.”

After the match, Everton boss David Moyes addressed the incident.

He said: “I’m a bit surprised. I’ve been to see them [the officials] and VAR are saying it was grappling – well, the boy marking him was grappling. He punched the ball. It would have been harsh, but I’m amazed they haven’t given it.

“If any team was going to go and win it, it was probably us. We just didn’t do well enough at the end.”

Meanwhile, Spurs fans slammed the decision on social media.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara wrote: “Everyone against Spurs again today, it’s a joke. Brobbey red card, red card today for a two-footed tackle, the ref gave us absolutely nothing, and the handball in the West Ham game is a shambles.”

Another added: “West Ham player literally punching the ball away in his own penalty area, but @FA_PGMOL says it’s all okay because it’s National Relegate Spurs Month.”

A third claimed: “Fernandes hits the ball out with his hand for a corner, but a West Ham goal kick is awarded.”

West Ham return to action at Brentford on May 2 before Spurs travel to Aston Villa the following day.