De Zerbi says referee 'was not calm' after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Leeds
Roberto De Zerbi criticised referee Jarred Gillett after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, saying officials were ‘not calm’ and felt pressure following recent VAR controversy.
Who, what and why it matters?
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi criticised referee Jarred Gillett after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United on 11 May 2026, saying the official "was not calm" and suggesting match officials are feeling increased pressure following recent VAR controversy at West Ham. The comments matter because they underline a manager publicly questioning officiating standards and the psychological impact of high-profile VAR incidents on referees.
De Zerbi singles out referee’s demeanour
Speaking after the draw, De Zerbi told reporters that Jarred Gillett was "not calm" during the game. The manager linked the referee’s demeanour to a wider climate of scrutiny around officials, saying he believes match officials are now feeling pressure in the wake of VAR controversy at West Ham. The Sky Sports report provides those core remarks but does not offer extended verbatim quotes beyond that phrase.
Why it matters for Tottenham, Leeds and refereeing debates
When a Premier League manager publicly questions a referee’s composure it can escalate debates about officiating standards, VAR use and the support referees receive. For Tottenham, any controversy over key decisions can affect results and public perception; for Leeds, reactions from opponents and media coverage can shift focus away from on-field performances. De Zerbi’s comment contributes to an ongoing conversation in English football about how VAR incidents — particularly high-profile cases like the one mentioned involving West Ham — affect referees and match outcomes.
- Roberto De Zerbi criticised referee Jarred Gillett after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Leeds (11 May 2026).
- De Zerbi said Jarred Gillett "was not calm" during the match.
- De Zerbi suggested officials are feeling pressure following recent VAR controversy at West Ham.
- Source for these facts: Sky Sports Football report.
Context and limits of the report
The Sky Sports story supplies De Zerbi’s assessment of the referee’s demeanour and the manager’s suggestion that officials are under pressure after a VAR-related controversy at West Ham. The piece does not include match specifics such as scorers, the minute-by-minute sequence of the disputed incidents, or any response from referees, the PGMOL, or the clubs involved. Those details should be confirmed from match reports or official statements if a fuller account is required.
What happens next
The immediate next steps likely include further media coverage and possible requests for clarity from Tottenham or match officials if the club chooses to pursue the matter. Any formal review or comment from refereeing bodies would be reported separately; the Sky Sports item does not state whether an official complaint or investigation was being sought. For now, De Zerbi’s remarks stand as a public critique that keeps refereeing standards and VAR debate in the news.