"The most stupid rule in football" - Jamie O'Hara reacts to 'outrageous' decision against Spurs during Chelsea defeat
Former Tottenham Hotspur player Jamie O'Hara was unhappy with some of the decisions that went against his old club during their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Spurs went down 1-0 to Chelsea in the second leg of the tie at home, bowing out of the Carabao Cup after losing 3-0 on aggregate. Antonio Conte's side were unlucky to have seen two penalty decisions overturned while Harry Kane's goal was also chalked off by VAR.
Around the hour mark, Lucas Moura squared a loose ball to Kane, who was positioned ahead of Kepa with the Chelsea goalkeeper coming off his line. The Englishman only had Rudiger to beat and he did, firing the ball beyond the centre-back and into the top corner.
It looked like a legitimate goal but Kane was marginally offside in the build-up and following a VAR review, it was ruled out, much to Tottenham's frustration.
This rule is absolutely outrageous how on earth is that offside #Spurs
O'Hara also weighed in on the issue after the game, posting a scathing remark on his official Twitter handle, saying:
“This rule is absolutely outrageous, how on Earth is that offside?"
“I know the bloody rule but the rule is a joke and needs changing, Kepa dives in, loses it and we get punished, the most stupid rule in football,” he added.
The rant sparked a debate in the comments section, with some fans agreeing with the 35-year-old while others stating the rule had been in place forever.
Kane’s goal disallowed by VAR :( https://t.co/IBDJyeEB92
Even if the goal was allowed to stand, it would've been a tough road back for Spurs, who would have needed two more goals to level the tie. Chelsea dominated Conte's side in both legs, highlighting the gulf in quality between the two London sides.
Winning Wednesday. ✅ https://t.co/OoN2H2QJU1
Tottenham will now turn their attention back to the Premier League with an exciting north London derby against Arsenal at home coming up on Sunday.
Tottenham delivered reality check by Chelsea
Conte's hopes of winning silverware with Tottenham were squished following a 3-0 aggregate loss at the hands of his former club Chelsea. With Spurs also eliminated from the Europa Conference League for being unable to play their final group match against Rennes, things have become much harder for him.
However, their results in the league have improved lately, going eight games unbeaten since the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. It has seen them climb up to fifth in the league table, while also making light work of Morecambe in a 3-1 win in their first FA Cup match of the season.
But their performance here showed how much the side still lacks in terms of competing against the top shouts.