Fulham boss Scott Parker questioned the handball rule after his side were denied a deserved equaliser in a 1-0 defeat to Spurs.

The International Football Association Board's meeting today, where further clarification on the handball law is expected, could not be more timely after the Cottagers saw a goal ruled out due to the harsh rule.

After Spurs led in the first half through Tosin Adarabioyo's own goal, Parker's men had the ball in the back of the net when Josh Maja fired home.

However, replays showed that, in the build-up, the ball had cannoned into the hand of Mario Lemina from a Davinson Sanchez clearance when he was a matter of yards away.

It was an application of the rules by VAR, which Parker accepts, but he says his side did not gain a clear advantage.

"It has changed so much," he said of the handball rule. "We look back at the start of the season when the rule was very different and penalties were being given week in week out and we were talking about changing the art of defending and defending with your arms behind the back.

"I understand why the goal was not given and that's the rule. I don't agree with the rule. I am not complaining with that, the referee is acting to the rule. We have VAR so you can look back and see if there is a clear advantage. I don't think we did.

"We are trying to make the game so pure and sterile and trying to control every single phase or moment to an absolute T and that is where the problem lies.

"We want to see goals and excitement but I am sorry to say that VAR is killing every part of that. You are losing the raw emotion of the game we absolutely love."

The result kept Fulham three points behind both Albion and Newcastle.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho chose not to give opinion on it, insisting that the laws are open to interpretation.