The Premier League has admitted that VAR got penalty decisions wrong in
all three matches on Thursday,
as frustration mounts over the use of the technology in the English
top-flight. Manchester United were given a controversial helping hand by the
video assistant referee in their 3-0 win at Aston Villa, while Tottenham
suffered fresh frustration at the hands of the review system in their 0-0
draw at Bournemouth.
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes won a spot kick when he spun into Ezri
Konsa before tumbling in the area despite little evidence of a foul by the
Villa defender. Jose Mourinho’s Spurs were off-key for long periods but
could feel hard done by after Josh King’s push on Harry Kane in the penalty
area went unpunished despite a VAR review.
Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse hit the bar after a disputed penalty as the
south coast side drew 1-1 with Everton.
The Premier League confirmed to the BBC’s Match of the Day programme that
United and Southampton should not have been given penalties, but Tottenham
should have been awarded one.
Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, a Match of the Day pundit, said a
former player should work alongside VAR officials. “I think that would
really help them, to understand the movements,” the former Australia
international said. “When a player falls to buy a penalty you can feel it.
It must need a player there to give advice on what the player is doing.
“They’re there to make the big decisions and they can’t do it. It’s
really disappointing.” Chelsea boss Frank Lampard last week called for a
“big reflection” on VAR at the end of the season after a previous spate of
controversial incidents.
0 Comments