(Football news) Harry Kane’s last minute winner was ruled offside as Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 against Sporting CP in the Champions League. A header from Emerson Royal was capitalised on by Kane, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans, only for VAR to disallow the goal after a lengthy check. The decision resulted in a red card for Spurs manager Antonio Conte who was furious at the goal being disallowed and protested against the decision aggressively. 

Speaking about it afterwards, Conte said “I think there are moments where you can understand you have just disallowed a regular goal because the ball is in front of Kane. I think it creates a lot of damage. I'd like to see this type of decision with a top team in an important game. I'd like to see if VAR is brave enough to take this decision, an unfair decision because the ball is in front of Kane." 

Sporting scored the opening goal through former Spurs player Marcus Edward in the 22nd minute but Rodrigo Bentacur levelled the score in the 79th minute. The result means that Tottenham remain at the top of Group D but haven’t qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 yet and will need at least a draw against Marseille in their next match to progress. What is concerning is that Antonio Conte now has only three wins in 12 home games in the UEFA Champions League with the record including his time at Chelsea and Inter Milan. 

In the post match press conference, Antonio Conte said “All the people came onto the pitch and then the referee decided to send me off. I think there are moments where you can understand you have just disallowed a regular goal because the ball is in front of Kane. You know that I don't comment on the referee's decision but the VAR this season in the Premier League and the Champions League, we are not so lucky. I think it creates a lot of damage. I'd like to see this type of decision with a top team in an important game. I'd like to see if VAR is brave enough to take this decision. I repeat an unfair decision because the ball is in front of Kane. 

"Sorry but I'm really upset because sometimes you can accept this situation but sometimes I think it's not good because I don't see honesty in this type of situation and when I don't see this I become really, really upset. For the game, I think we played the first half with low intensity and Sporting Lisbon deserved to stay 1-0 up. At the end of the game after our second half I think we deserved to get three points. But now for this decision we have to wait for the last game against Marseille. I repeat, this decision creates a lot of damage. I hope the club understands this and then in the right situation to speak with the people that they have to speak to, otherwise it's only the manager that speaks. I think the club must be strong because this situation has created a lot of damage. Now we don't know what will happen next week and if we go out then I want to see."

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