Following the gaffe in Tottenham vs. Liverpool last week, the VAR system was in the news this past weekend in the Premier League.
Following the incorrect offside decision that resulted in Liverpool striker Luis Diaz’s goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium being disallowed, new VAR regulations were put in place in time for the most recent round of games.
The PA news agency examines how VAR performed at each of this weekend’s elite competitions.
The greatest talking point at the Emirates Stadium was going to be whether or not Mateo Kovacic of City should have been sent off in the first half before Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner. The City midfielder’s poor challenge on Martin Odegaard was examined by the VAR, John Brooks, but Oliver was not advised to go to the pitchside monitor to determine whether to raise the midfielder’s caution to a red card. Soon after, Kovacic remained on the field and escaped receiving a second caution.
Liverpool 2 Brighton 2
At the conclusion of the first half of Brighton’s draw at the Amex Stadium, Pascal Gross was penalized for grabbing Dominik Szoboszlai by the collar. The VAR, Craig Pawson, was called upon to confirm the penalty. Despite Gross appearing to be the last man, the verdict was maintained by the video referee, and the Brighton midfielder did not receive a red card.
Chelsea 1 – Burnley 4
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino converses with official Stuart Attwell during his team’s halftime