VAR horror show
Premier League
The latest weekend of fixtures in the 2022/2023 Premier League on 3rd and 4th September were surrounded by shocking Video Assistant Referee decisions. In my opinion it is a disgrace that all the talking points are focused on ridiculous VAR decisions and not focusing on another win for Erik Ten Hag as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1. There is fantastic managers in the Premier League which include Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte, Erik Ten Hag and also have some of the best players in the league such as Harry Kane, Mo Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland but it’s unfortunate that the standard of the referees doesn’t match the standard of managers and players. VAR was brought into the Premier League in 2019 to help referees identify clear and obvious mistakes but now in existence for three years, I’m not sure anymore what is clear and obvious.
Everton vs Liverpool
The first decision in this game was when Conor Coady scored for Everton in the 69th minute from close range but was eventually disallowed by VAR. Liverpool midfielder James Milner made a clear attempt to play the ball as he blocked Neil Maupay’s cross which ended up deflecting onto Coady at the back post. After a lengthy delay VAR decided to disallow the goal but I thought that the goal should have been awarded due to Milner blocking the cross. The controversy didn’t end there as Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk put in a late tackle on Everton midfielder Arnadou Onana in the 75th minute. After going to VAR they decided not to upgrade his dangerous tackle to a red card. Frank Lampard said that Van Dijk should have been sent off.
Brentford vs Leeds United
Right decision by VAR to award Ivan Toney a penalty as Leeds winger Luis Sinisterra stopped Brentford striker from heading the ball from a long throw in. Jesse Marsch’s men were robbed of a penalty as it was blatant that Brentford player clipped Leeds forward Crysencio Summerville in the box. VAR looked at it and they made their decision very quickly but this was remarkable that they didn’t suggest the referee Robert Jones to look at the foul on the monitor. The final VAR decision from this game was that they awarded Bryan Mbuemo goal for The Bees as it showed on camera that Robin Koch headed the ball backwards which resulted in the attacking players being onside.
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace
This was another terrible mistake by VAR. Newcastle winger Joseph Willock headed the ball towards goal but when he did that the Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell pushed Willock into goalkeeper Vincente Guaita and the ball ended up in the nett. Referee Michael Salisbury awarded it as a goal but after another long delay VAR disallowed the goal. This was an embarrassment as it should have been a penalty for Newcastle due to a foul by Mitchell on Willock.
Chelsea vs West Ham United
West Ham thought they equalised late on as Jarrod Bowen squared it to Maxwel Cornet to roll into a empty net. Referee Andrew Madley awarded the goal but yet again VAR disallowed the goal after a massive delay. They disallowed it due to Bowen catching Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Bowen lifted his foot over the goalkeeper and never touched his foot, Mendy made it worse due to rolling around on the ground. This decision was extraordinary as it was never a foul and West Ham were robbed.
Elsewhere
Bad referee decision by Simon Hooper as he blew the whistle for offside before Philippe Coutinho shot was taken but VAR couldn’t review it due to Hooper blowing his whistle too early. Alexis Mac Allister scored a contender for goal of the season at the American Express Community Stadium and it was harshly disallowed for a high foot. Anthony Debut was excellent against Arsenal but Arsenal were unlucky as their goal in the first half should have been awarded and not disallowed. Premier League said at the start of the season that they would let things go and let games flow but inconsistency is ruining football when it comes to VAR decisions.
https://extratimetalk.com/constant-drama-involving-premier-league-and-var/