Pochettino slams VAR even after winner by Kane

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was critical of video assistant referee (VAR) technology on Tuesday despite the system playing a key role in Harry Kane’s penalty winner in a 1-0 League Cup semifinal, first-leg victory over Chelsea.

Kane’s 26th-minute spot kick means Tottenham take a slender advantage to Stamford Bridge on January 24.

“To be honest I’m not very happy with that system. We need to agree on the way it’s going to be used,” Pochettino, who is seeking a first trophy since taking over at Tottenham in 2014, said.

“We need to work with players, coaching staff and referees. It needs to be a tool to improve the game.”

The crucial VAR intervention came just before the midway point of the first half as Kane raced through on goal from Toby Alderweireld’s pass and appeared to be brought down by Chelsea’s Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Initially referee Michael Oliver did not award a penalty but instead signalled for VAR.

After a lengthy delay, to decide whether Kane had actually been onside in the build-up to the goal and whether there had been contact, Oliver pointed to the spot and Kane drilled home what turned out to be the winner.

“It’s a system that sometimes kills emotions,” Pochettino said.

After a lengthy delay, to decide whether Kane had actually been onside in the buildup to the goal and whether there had been contact, Oliver pointed to the spot and Kane drilled home what turned out to be the winner

“Of course today it was a little advantage for us and was a good decision for us, but I didn’t celebrate because we were waiting five minutes.”

VAR was also in the spotlight during the weekend’s FA Cup ties.

At one game, Burnley manager Sean Dyche was left bemused when a penalty decision in favour of his side against Barnsley was overturned just as Matej Vydra was in his run-up to take it.