Explanation emerges for VAR overturning Tottenham goal vs Frankfurt, with Thomas Frank informed instantly
Tottenham Hotspur believed they had secured an early breakthrough against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday night when Xavi Simons tapped home from close range, but VAR quickly intervened to rule the goal out.
Former Spurs midfielder Glenn Hoddle later explained why Simons’ effort was disallowed, just minutes into the contest at Deutsche Bank Park. The Dutchman reacted fastest to a rebound after Destiny Udogie’s initial shot was saved, firing the ball into the net inside two minutes.
However, celebrations among the away supporters were cut short as officials reviewed the build-up to the goal. Following a VAR check, Udogie was judged to have been offside during his run behind Frankfurt’s defence, leading referee Jesus Gil Manzano to award a free-kick to the hosts.
Hoddle, speaking on TNT Sports commentary, was quick to share his interpretation of the decision. “I think they’re saying it was a foul,” he said. “He [Thomas Frank] hasn’t seen the foul, but it was a foul. He was interfering with play.”
The incident comes at a testing time for Frank, who is under growing pressure to spark an upturn in form at Spurs amid mounting fan frustration over poor domestic results.
While Tottenham entered the clash sitting fifth in the Champions League table, their Premier League campaign tells a very different story, with the north London side currently struggling down in 14th place.
