Micky van de Ven was sent off in Tottenham’s 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles continue after Crystal Palace defeated them 3-1 in a London derby on Thursday evening.
After benefiting from a close offside decision regarding Ismaila Sarr’s goal, Spurs initially took the lead with a goal from Dominic Solanke, thanks to a good setup by Archie Gray. However, this lead was short-lived.
Micky van de Ven was dismissed for denying Ismaila Sarr a clear chance to score, resulting in a penalty. Sarr scored to equalize, and Crystal Palace quickly took control. Two goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Sarr just before halftime gave Palace a two-goal lead, raising concerns for manager Igor Tudor.
Keith Hackett thinks referee Andy Madley made the right call to dismiss Micky van de Ven vs. Crystal Palace
The red card for Micky van de Ven changed the game significantly. While Tottenham wasn’t dominating, they showed determination unlike previous matches. Solanke’s early goal eased some tension in the stadium.
Van de Ven’s decision to bring down Sarr during a clear scoring opportunity was a costly mistake. Referee Andy Madley immediately awarded a penalty and showed the red card. VAR confirmed his decision was correct.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett stated that VAR needed to determine if Van de Ven’s foul prevented Sarr from scoring.
“Micky Van de Ven has fouled his opponent. The question VAR has to ask is, had the foul not taken place, would the player have got his shot away, or the goalkeeper gained possession?” Hackett explained.
“It is a judgement and the referee has made the correct call.”
Tudor would have been livid with Van de Ven
Van de Ven has been a key player for Tottenham this season, often helping them secure results. However, his performance has declined recently, making Thursday likely his worst outing for the club.
His reckless decision not only gave away a penalty but also led to his dismissal. Instead of allowing Sarr to score, Van de Ven’s actions resulted in a red card.
In a crucial moment where composure was needed, he faltered. Van de Ven must take responsibility for Spurs’ loss to Palace, extending their winless streak in 2026.