Tottenham vs Sporting Champions League result, final score and reaction after Kane strike ruled out - live
A last-gasp Harry Kane goal was ruled out by VAR After Rodrigo Bentancur cancelled out Marcus Edwards’ effort
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur’s late header salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sporting to keep the London side in control of Champions League Group D but it could have been even better as Harry Kane’s late effort was disallowed on Wednesday.
Victory for Spurs would have booked their place in the last 16 with a game to spare and they thought they had sealed it with almost the last kick of the game when Kane fired in from close range after Emerson Royal’s header across goal.
It sparked wild celebrations but joy turned to frustration as a VAR check that lasted several minutes ruled the goal out for offside -- prompting a furious reaction from Spurs manager Antonio Conte who was shown a red card in chaotic scenes.
“I thought because it went backwards and hit a defender it was a different phase of play,” Tottenham‘s Matt Doherty said of the decision that left many scratching their heads.
“I’ll have to look at the rule book. A few of us don’t have a clue what happened.”
The result left Tottenham top of a desperately tight group on eight points, with Sporting and Eintracht Frankfurt, who beat Olympique de Marseille, on seven. Marseille have six points.
Spurs will qualify for the last 16 if they avoid defeat in Marseille on Tuesday when Sporting host Frankfurt also needing a point to guarantee a place in the knockout stage.
Sporting were by far the better team in the first half and took the lead in the 22nd minute through former Spurs player Marcus Edwards.
Tottenham were vastly improved after the break and peppered the Sporting goal in their search for an equaliser with keeper Antonio Adan making several saves to preserve his side’s lead.
Sporting substitute Flavio Nazinho spurned two great opportunities to make the points safe -- the second an open goal - and in the 80th minute those misses looked even more costly as Tottenham levelled.
Ivan Perisic swung in a corner and midfielder Bentancur rose highest to head powerfully past Adan.
There was still more drama to come with Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris forced into a great to deny substitute Fatawu Issahaku before Kane’s disallowed effort meant that Sporting finished the game well in the hunt for a last 16 spot.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
Son chips it into the box and Spurs want a penalty for a hand ball.
Then Lucas slaloms his way into the Sporting box, cutting back onto his right and his shot is dragged well wide.
Boos as Morita sits down to receive medical treatment.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
Son finding space down the left, the Korean fires in a shot from a tight angle and Adan beats it away.
Sporting on the break are dangerous!
Trincao and Santos exchanging a one-two to capitalise on a poor Doherty mistake there.
It’s hammered just over.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
It’s pinball football inside the Sporting box!
Dier with a spinning volley punched away by Adan, then Romero fires at goal.
Chaos, but Sporting survive!
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
A great Tottenham move!
Kane slides in Son down the left, then it’s slipped on the outside for Hojbjerg on the underlap.
His cutback can’t find Kane and Sporting scramble it clear.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
Adan down low to cut out a Perisic cross that skips up and across the six-yard box.
Reis and Morita exchanging passes to cut their way through the Spurs press.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
We’re back underway and Sporting enjoying plenty of the ball already.
Porro a fine outlet and happy to whip the ball into the Spurs box.
Nicely broken up by Hojbjerg but Sporting tenacious and finding space between the lines.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
It’s half-time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Marcus Edwards’ lovely strike the difference.
Sporting lead and are currently top of the group.
Conte looks furious, he’ll have to change this before the second half as it’s been a poor display from the hosts.
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
Kane earns a free-kick in a dangerous area after Ugarte’s clumsiness.
A chance for Spurs from the right side, Hojbjerg will whip it in...
Tottenham 0-1 Sporting
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