Following Anthony Gordon’s winner for Newcastle over Arsenal last evening, VAR has stormed the headlines once again. Throughout the opening stages of this Premier League season, the technology has already caused a host of controversy – but what have been the biggest blunders so far?
“How much does that goal mean to Anthony Gordon?” 🔥
A long VAR check but Newcastle lead! ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/kEZoPkMMtx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 4, 2023
Controversial Premier League VAR Moments 2023-24
Man United vs Wolves: Andre Onana
The Cameroonian goalkeeper has endured a difficult start to his Manchester United career and it all began on his Premier League debut.
Erik ten Hag’s side were 1-0 up with just minutes remaining on the clock, however, after a cross was whipped into the United area, Onana appeared to have done the unthinkable and given away a spot kick.
Whilst coming to claim the ball, the former Inter Milan number one carelessly collided with Wolves striker, Sasa Kalajdzic. However, after a thorough VAR review, the goal stood and many believe a penatly should have been awarded to the visitors.
Inside the VAR discussion on Andre Onana’s clash against Wolves 📺 pic.twitter.com/FVJt5niQ2n
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 6, 2023
Wolves vs Newcastle – Hwang Hee-Chan
Once again in this list, Wolves faced another dispute with VAR during their 2-2 draw with Newcastle in Gameweek 11 of the Premier League.
The Magpies were awarded a penalty for a foul on Swiss defender, Fabian Schar, after he appeared to be tripped by Wolves winger, Hwang Hee-Chan.
However, upon further inspection you can clearly see there is no contract between the players and Hwang’s attempt to play the ball does not result in a foul on the Newcastle centre-back.
VAR reviewed the incident through a variety of angles and different speed, with the technology still labelling the tackle as worthy of a penalty.
🗣️ “Not a penalty for me, you only had to look at one replay and you knew it wasn’t a foul. The fact it was looked at so many times, I just can’t see a foul.”
Dermot Gallagher says Newcastle should NOT have won a penalty against Wolves for the challenge on Fabian Schär. 💭 pic.twitter.com/eDIHTK9bBW
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 30, 2023
Spurs vs Man United: Cristian Romero
The north London side have made a superb start to their Premier League campaign, but have seen their fare share of fortune from VAR – more on that to follow.
One incident that favoured Spurs came in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United, as Cristian Romero appeared to block Alejandro Garnacho’s goal-bound effort with his hand.
Given the recent penalties that have been issued for handball, many thought after a VAR review that the Red Devils would be awarded a spot-kick.
The visitors were not however and club captain, Bruno Fernandes, questioned whether the PGMOL would give the club an ‘apology’.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher agrees with the decision not to award Manchester United a penalty against Tottenham for a handball by Cristian Romero
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) August 21, 2023
Spurs vs Liverpool: Luis Diaz
Now, for the biggest controversy this season and probably in the history of VAR – Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal against Spurs.
The Colombian forward appeared to had levelled things at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, after Liverpool went 1-0 down. However, the linesman ruled the former Porto player as offside and chalked the goal off.
During the match, supporters watching on Sky Sports were not shown a replay and the usual offside lines were not drawn.
After the match, it was revealed that not only was the Colombian onside, the VAR review had confirmed such news and a mix-up allowed the goal to not stand.
Audio from the VAR review room was revealed, and upon hearing the dialogue Jurgen Klopp called for the match to replayed.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher agrees with the decision not to award Manchester United a penalty against Tottenham for a handball by Cristian Romero
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) August 21, 2023
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