Fans furious as James Maddison escapes red despite appearing to punch Nottingham Forest star Ryan Yates

TOTTENHAM star James Maddison escaped a red card despite appearing to lash out at Ryan Yates.

The Nottingham Forest ace fell to the floor after he was seemingly hit in the stomach by the England midfielder.

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Referee Simon Hooper did not spot the off the ball incident just before half-time - but VAR did take a look.

However, they decided not to punish Maddison.

Fans have been left fuming over the decision, with one saying: "So Maddison can punch someone very CLEARLY and it isn’t an automatic red? Cheers again VAR."

Another added: "How has Maddison not been sent off for that? Clear punch."

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A third reacted: "Maddison should be off. Punching the Nottingham Forest lad on the stomach is a red. Not even a yellow given."

Others thought Yates was lucky to not receive his marching orders as he signalled for the referee to check VAR.

He was already on a yellow card and a player would normally get a booking for such a gesture.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp said at half-time that "there was not enough in it".

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Meanwhile, Roy Keane slammed the way Yates fell to the floor, calling him "a nice kid" - but said he goes down easily too often.

After the game, Forest gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo said: "I was surprised. 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."

Yates told Sky Sports: "Maddison is a good player, I know he makes them tick. It's my job to disrupt the momentum.

"A few decisions probably didn't go our way but we've seen the inconsistency in the Premier League this season."

Spurs went ahead in the game when Murillo turned a cross into his own net.

But Forest levelled things before the break as Chris Wood smashed the ball home beyond Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs then regained the lead as Micky van de Ven's powerful strike flew into the top corner.

And Pedro Porro made it 3-1 as Spurs moved into the top four.