Danny Murphy has theory over why James Maddison wasn’t sent off for Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest

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Tottenham might have seen off Nottingham Forest yesterday but the game wasn’t without controversy as James Maddison got away with being shown a red card.

The Tottenham vice-captain was one again one of the key players for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

However, Maddison could and probably should have been sent off after he appeared to give Forest midfielder Ryan Yates a dig in the stomach.

VAR didn’t intervene in the incident and referee Simon Hooper decided to just speak to both players, opting not to dish out any red or yellow cards.

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Nuno Santo fuming over James Maddison ‘punch’

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was fuming with the call, suggesting it shouldn’t even have been a topic for discussion given how clear a read he believed it was.

“It’s a red card. I was surprised VAR didn’t [send Maddison off]. Maddison lost composure and punched Yates in the stomach. What they saw clearly is not the same as we saw. I wouldn’t speak if I wasn’t 100% sure,” Santo said.

And speaking about the incident on Match of the Day Two last night, former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy believes there can only be one reason why Maddison wasn’t sent off.

Danny Murphy shares theory on why James Maddison wasn’t sent off for Tottenham v Nottingham Forest

On first look and then especially on second look, it definitely looked like Maddison had a bit of a ‘dig’ at Yates.

And speaking about the incident on MOTD2, former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy believes Maddison got away with it purely because of who he is.

“I can’t defend him. It’s a simple one for me. It’s a sending off, he gives him a little dig and the reason he doesn’t get sent off is because he’s James Maddison. I think it’s an awful decision from VAR. If Romero does it he’s off. If Troy [Deeney, fellow MOTD pundit] does it, he’s off,” Murphy said.

As we know, Romero is considered one of he ‘hot heads’ in the Tottenham team and there is every chance that he would indeed have got different punishment.

Quite simply, this is a baffling one for VAR not to get involved with and recommend punishment for.

Maddison has definitely got away with it here and on another day, with another ref or VAR, he is sent off.