The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) creates weekly debates in the Premier League, raising questions about how decisions are made and their accuracy. Every week, we analyze key incidents to clarify the VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
This Week’s VAR Review:
We address why Manchester United received a penalty against Fulham while their goal was upheld. Additionally, we question if Manchester City’s goalkeeper James Trafford should have been red-carded during the match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Possible Disallowed Goal: Yoro on Bassey
In the 58th minute, Manchester United earned another corner. Leny Yoro’s header deflected into the net off Fulham’s Muniz, but a push on Bassey was scrutinized by VAR. Ultimately, the VAR determined the goal would stand.
Possible Penalty: Bassey on Mount
In the first half, during a corner, several players fell to the ground due to grappling. Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue until VAR reviewed the potential foul by Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount. After a lengthy review, a penalty was awarded, but Bruno Fernandes missed the shot.
Possible Red Card: Trafford on Kudus
In a first-half incident, Mohamed Kudus collided with James Trafford, leading to a VAR review for a potential red card. The VAR decided there was no red card, noting that while it was a foul, the contact did not meet the threshold for serious foul play.
Possible Penalty: Van de Ven on Bobb
In the 52nd minute, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven miscontrolled the ball and made contact with Oscar Bobb’s foot. VAR declined to intervene, maintaining the on-field decision, leading to complaints about consistency across different incidents that day.
Possible Handball: Saliba on Timber Goal
Arsenal scored a potential fourth goal, but there was concern about whether William Saliba committed a handball before the ball reached Jurriën Timber. The VAR ruled the goal valid due to lack of conclusive evidence of handball, reinforcing the challenges around such calls.
Conclusion
The analysis of these incidents highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding VAR decisions in the Premier League, emphasizing the ongoing debate about fairness and consistency in officiating.
