Tottenham vs Man City: Jermaine Jenas claims VAR is ‘a step in the wrong direction’ after controversial penalty

Danny Rose handled as he attempted to block Raheem Sterling’s shot before the spot kick was awarded with the help of VAR

 

Jack Rathborn
Wednesday 10 April 2019 09:02 BST
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Tottenham vs Manchester City reviewed

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Jermaine Jenas insists the penalty awarded to Manchester City with the help of VAR is "a step in the wrong direction."

The former Tottenham midfielder was upset at the interpretation after Danny Rose's hand blocked Raheem Sterling's shot.

Sergio Aguero would eventually miss the penalty, with Son Heung-min's winner handing Spurs a 1-0 aggregate lead heading back to the Etihad for the second leg.

But the decision divided opinion with many arguing it was not a "clear and obvious error," and Jenas insists the incident points to "worrying times" for the game.

“It’s a huge moment, it really is. I think the fact that he’s going to have a look at it himself is worrying,” Jenas said during commentary.

“If you were PSG, would you be saying that is any different to what Kimpembe did?

“Really worrying signs for the game, in my opinion, really worrying signs. I know the rules are what they are. I feel like that’s a bit of a step in the wrong direction as far as I’m concerned.”

And BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand insists anybody who knows football knows that it was not a penalty.

"I understand the rules suggest VAR has to come into play. When you're making this decision, anyone who knows football knows that isn't a penalty," Ferdinand said.

"He's gone down to ground to make the tackle.

Danny Rose blocks Raheem Sterling's shot with his hand
Danny Rose blocks Raheem Sterling's shot with his hand (Reuters)

"Where do you want his arms to be? If you put your arms by your side in that situation, both arms, you're going to break your neck as a defender. You need your hands as balance."

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