Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou says ‘mistake’ was celebrating goal before VAR check

Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged he made a mistake with his celebration towards the Tottenham fans at Chelsea – because he did not wait for VAR to check Pape Sarr’s disallowed goal.

Postecoglou made headlines in the 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge after he cupped his ear in the direction of the Spurs supporters following Sarr’s 69th-minute strike.

It occurred minutes after Postecoglou’s decision to bring on Sarr for Lucas Bergvall had been booed and a small section of away supporters chanted “you don’t know what you’re doing” at the under-fire Australian.

VAR subsequently ruled out the goal for a foul by Sarr on Moises Caicedo and, while Postecoglou later claimed his gesture had been misinterpreted, the incident was a big talking point ahead of Sunday’s visit of Southampton.

“I made a mistake last night in that I celebrated a goal,” Spurs boss Postecoglou said.

“I think since VAR came in up in Scotland and in the first game there was four or five incidents and we were standing around, I made a decision that I’m not going to really celebrate goals as there’s no point as you have to wait for everything to get checked off.

“The supporters obviously weren’t happy with my decision which is fine. My response was to celebrate and to get them to make some noise and get behind the team.

“I thought it was a real momentum-shifter in that moment because we did finish strong. I guess my mistake was celebrating a goal that yeah, VAR has defeated me again.

“I am falling out of love with the game because I loved celebrating goals. Last night I did and I’m paying a massive price for it. I’ll make sure I don’t do it again but I think that’s kind of sad.”

Despite Postecoglou’s explanation, frustration among fans is close to breaking point