Tottenham was denied an equalizer by a disputed VAR decision before losing 3-1 at Sheffield United on Thursday in a further blow to the team's European qualification hopes.
Harry Kane thought he had immediately canceled out Sander Berge’s opener in the first half but Lucas Moura was then penalized by the video assistant referee for handling in the buildup to the goal. But the Brazilian only touched the ball after he appeared to be fouled and fell to the ground.
Tottenham then gifted the hosts goals in the second half, with Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie exploiting slack defending to score.
Sheffield United's Sander Berge, left, tries to stop Tottenham's Son Heung-min during the English Premier League soccer match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England, Thursday, July 2, 2020. (Oli ScarffPool via AP)
Kane did eventually score but it was only a late consolation for Jose Mourinho's side.
The Blades climbed above Spurs into seventh place with six games remaining.
After reaching last season's Champions League final — losing to Liverpool — Tottenham is increasingly unlikely to be in the competition next season.
Sheffield United's Sander Berge celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the English Premier League soccer match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, Thursday, July 2, 2020. (Jason CairnduffPool via AP)
Tottenham slipped to ninth, seven points behind fifth-place Manchester United.
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Sheffield United's Sander Berge, right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the English Premier League soccer match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, Thursday, July 2, 2020. (Jason CairnduffPool via AP)
Tottenham's Harry Kane complains to the referee after disallowed a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, Thursday, July 2, 2020. (Oli ScarffPool via AP)