Richarlison’s opener at Crystal Palace was overturned after replays showed that Lucas Bergvall was offside in the build-up at Selhurst Park
Josh Holland Sport Central Audience Writer
16:58, 28 Dec 2025
Richarlison scores a goal for Tottenham that is ruled out for offside by VAR(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Premier League Match Centre has explained why Tottenham’s opening goal against Crystal Palace was disallowed for offside. Richarlison converted from close range at Selhurst Park from Pedro Porro’s cross before the goal was ruled out.
In Spurs’ first proper attack, the Brazilian thought he had made it two goals in two games when he put the ball past Dean Henderson. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) overturned the decision after replays showed that Lucas Bergvall was offside in the build-up.
The midfielder collected the ball in an offside position before passing to Porro. Replays showed that Richarlison was onside, despite initially looking like he had gone slightly early.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the Match Centre provided clarity on why the goal was overturned. They said: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Bergvall was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
The disallowed goal was the game’s first chance, with both sides struggling to carve out opportunities. After Richarlison’s strike was ruled out, Palace grew into the game, and Jean-Philippe Mateta came close with a right-footed effort.
Spurs came into the clash in the capital 14th in the Premier League table after a disappointing defeat to Liverpool last time out. However, Thomas Frank has insisted he isn’t losing any sleep over his side’s slow start.
Referee Jarred Gillet ruled out Tottenham’s opener at Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
“The good thing is I’ve always been a good sleeper, so I think that’s helpful!” he said. “But of course you can feel that the thoughts are just underneath you. Sometimes we’ve all experienced that with work.
“They’ve been there a long time because there’s a lot of things to sort out. We want to be successful, we want to be consistent. There’s all small different bits we’d like to improve. It’s completely open and transparent.
“I think it’s also clear that we are searching to find a very consistent, competitive team week in, week out. When you get small setbacks and don’t get the right response you try something new or you stick to it.”
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