VAR Reverses Yves Bissouma’s Booking, Leading to His Red Card for Serious Foul Play at Tottenham
Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma faced a second red card of the season after VAR intervened following a high challenge on Ryan Yates. The Mali international’s foot connected with Yates’ knee during a contested ball, initially earning him a yellow card from referee Jarred Gillett. However, VAR referee Michael Oliver prompted a review on the pitchside monitor, leading to a change in decision from yellow to red. This second sending-off means Bissouma will miss four matches, adding to his absence earlier in the season against Luton Town. His suspension coincides with upcoming matches against Everton, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Burnley.
Bissouma now joins the ranks of the seventh Tottenham player red-carded twice in a single Premier League season, the first since Kyle Naughton in 2014/15. The timing is less than ideal for manager Ange Postecoglou, with the AFCON looming next month. Bissouma’s potential absence due to international duty and the winter break could leave Tottenham without his services until February.
Despite the setback, Tottenham secured a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, with goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski. This win, following a run of four defeats, positions Spurs with back-to-back victories at a crucial juncture in the season. The result brings them level with Manchester City on 33 points, just four points behind leaders Liverpool. The tight four-point margin among the top five teams suggests one of the most open title races in recent years.
