VAR Controversies in Premier League: Analyzing Key Decisions in Manchester United vs Aston Villa and More

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to be a hot topic in the Premier League, with every weekend bringing new debates over its decisions. This week, we delve into some of the most contentious moments, particularly focusing on the match between Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa

Possible Goal: Foul by Rogers on Bayindir

In the 72nd minute, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers attempted to score after Manchester United's goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, hesitated with the ball. However, referee Thomas Bramall blew the whistle for a foul, claiming Bayindir had control of the ball. The VAR could not intervene as the play was dead once the whistle was blown.

Verdict: The referee should have waited to see if a goal was scored before blowing the whistle. The VAR was locked out of the decision, highlighting the need for better judgment in real-time situations.

Possible Red Card Overturn: DOGSO by Martínez

Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) after bringing down Rasmus Højlund. The VAR supported the decision.

Verdict: The red card was justified as Martínez clearly denied a goal-scoring opportunity, similar to other DOGSO incidents this season.

Possible Penalty Overturn: Foul by Maatsen on Amad

Manchester United were awarded a penalty when Amad went down under a challenge from Ian Maatsen. The VAR checked the incident and upheld the decision.

Verdict: The penalty was correctly awarded as Maatsen's contact caused Amad to fall, regardless of intent.

Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace

Possible Penalty: Handball by Lacroix

Mohamed Salah's shot was deflected off Maxence Lacroix's arm, leading to appeals for a penalty. The VAR reviewed the incident but decided against awarding a penalty.

Verdict: The ball hit Lacroix's lower arm, close to his side, making it a non-deliberate handball and thus not a penalty.

Possible Red Card Overturn: DOGSO by Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for DOGSO after bringing down Daichi Kamada. The VAR supported the decision.

Verdict: The red card was justified as Gravenberch denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity, despite some debate over the quality of the chance.

Southampton 1-2 Arsenal

Possible Penalty: Handball by Rice

Declan Rice was involved in a handball incident after Yukinari Sugawara's shot hit his arm. The VAR decided against awarding a penalty.

Verdict: Rice's arm was in a natural position, and there was no deliberate act, so the decision was correct.

Newcastle 0-1 Everton

Possible Penalty: Handball by Livramento

Valentino Livramento's arm was hit by the ball, leading to Everton's appeals for a penalty. The VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the referee's decision.

Verdict: Livramento was trying to retract his arm, and the ball hit him in a natural position, making it a non-penalty.

Conclusion

VAR continues to be a source of debate in the Premier League, with its decisions often scrutinized. While it aims to ensure fairness, the system's effectiveness depends on the judgment of referees and VAR officials. This week's incidents highlight the need for consistency and better real-time decision-making.