Why was Tottenham's goal against Sporting disallowed?

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Tottenham can't catch a break right now – why was a goal that looked onside for all the world ruled against Antonio Conte's team?

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur scores a goal which is later disallowed during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sporting CP at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 26, 2022 in London, England.
(Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte turns to his staff. We've seen this level of euphoria from the Italian many a time, as he celebrates with his coaches like he's found a winning lottery ticket. 

The goal he's celebrating is almost that valuable to Tottenham, giving the Lilywhites safe passage to the next round of the Champions League after a hard-fought 90-plus minutes. But then comes the news that no one wants to hear: Harry Kane's winner is being looked at by VAR…

Eventually, after much deliberation, the England captain sees his goal chalked off, despite everyone assuming the opposite was simply a formality. What on Earth happened?

Why Tottenham's goal against Sporting was disallowed

Tottenham were incensed at the decision with Eric Dier among the Spurs players remonstrating with referee Danny Makkelie in the aftermath of the controversial decision. Dier protested that the ball had been played backwards – and it certainly looked that way.

As you can see from the pictures, right wing-back Emerson Royal looks to be ahead of Kane when the ball is played. According to law 11.1 of the game, however, it doesn't matter where Royal was. 

Tottenham Hotspur's disallowed goal

Tottenham Hotspur's disallowed goal (Image credit: BT Sport)

Because Kane's knee was ahead of the ball as it was played – regardless of the direction that the ball travelled – the goal was chalked off. Harsh? Perhaps… but fair. 

"I repeat, you know I don't comment on referee decisions but the VAR, this season, I don't know why between Premier League and Champions League, we are not so lucky," Conte said. "I think we are not so lucky with VAR but I think they create big damage."

Antonio Conte, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur remonstrates with Match referee, Danny Makkelie during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sporting CP at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 26, 2022 in London, England.

Antonio Conte was sent off after Tottenham's goal was disallowed (Image credit: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

"I would like to see if this type of decision you can take with a top team, in an important game, yeah I would like to see if VAR is so brave to take this decision. I repeat this unfair decision because the ball is in front of Kane.

"Sorry, but I am really upset because sometimes you can accept this situation and sometimes I think it is not good because I don't see honesty in this type of situation and when I see this I become really, really upset."

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.