This weekend’s Premier League matches introduced a sequence of contentious refereeing selections, reigniting debates in regards to the consistency and software of VAR. Right here’s a take a look at the important thing incidents, match by match.
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Arsenal: A pricey penalty for the Gunners
Arsenal’s draw at Brighton sparked outrage after William Saliba was penalised for a seemingly mild contact on Joao Pedro. Saliba tried to clear the ball, making minimal contact together with his opponent, but referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty.
VAR upheld the choice, with the later defending it as involving “adequate contact.”
, voicing frustration over the shortage of consistency in such calls. For Arsenal, the choice might show damaging of their pursuit of the title, whereas Brighton benefited from a second of officiating controversy.
Ipswich City 2-2 Fulham: Silva slams “subpar” refereeing
Fulham supervisor when criticising referee Darren Bond for his failure to ship off Ipswich defender Leif Davis.
Davis stopped Harry Wilson’s run on objective with an unlawful problem, receiving solely a yellow card. Silva insisted it was a transparent crimson card and questioned the referee’s competence at this degree.
Whereas Silva agreed with the penalties awarded, he famous VAR’s function in overturning Bond’s preliminary name on Fulham’s first spot-kick. Regardless of these moments, Fulham have been left annoyed with their defending, dropping factors towards a spirited Ipswich facet.
Liverpool 3-3 Manchester United: De Ligt’s handball sparks debate once more
Matthijs de Ligt discovered himself on the centre of one other penalty controversy in Liverpool’s thrilling draw with Manchester United.
Referee Michael Oliver initially missed the Dutchman’s handball, however VAR intervened, deeming his raised arm to be in an unnatural place. Mohamed Salah transformed the ensuing penalty, giving Liverpool the lead quickly.
Whereas pundits like backed the choice, it highlighted the subjective nature of handball rulings. For de Ligt, this marked one other pricey incident, elevating issues about his defensive positioning in crucial moments.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle United: Handball controversy provides to Spurs’ woes
Tottenham boss , scored by Anthony Gordon, was allowed to face regardless of Joelinton’s handball within the build-up. VAR dominated the contact unintentional, citing that Joelinton’s arm was in a pure place.
Postecoglou prevented straight criticising the officers however strongly hinted at injustice, stating his facet would have gained on a “honest and even enjoying floor.” The outcome prolonged Spurs’ hunch, with accidents and sickness additional compounding their struggles. Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe defended the choice, asserting that VAR adopted protocols.
The weekend’s occasions underscored persistent points with Premier League refereeing and using VAR. Inconsistencies in selections — particularly regarding penalties and handballs — proceed to go away managers, gamers, and followers annoyed.
If the Premier League is to uphold its status as among the best leagues on this planet, it should handle these issues. Larger transparency and clear tips on contentious conditions are important to revive religion in officiating and forestall the sport from being overshadowed by controversy.
