Manchester United News

The Premier League is discussing the controversial VAR decision in the Brighton match that could have changed the game

The play sparked a variety of reactions as it was open to interpretation.

By Axel Reyes

The play sparked a variety of reactions as it was open to interpretation.
The play sparked a variety of reactions as it was open to interpretation.
Síguenos enSíguenos en Google News

Brighton & Hove Albion's emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford was overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that denied the Seagulls a second goal. The incident, which occurred early in the second half, has sparked widespread debate about the effectiveness and consistency of the VAR system.

João Pedro had seemingly put the Seagulls 2-1 up when he fired past David de Gea. However, referee Peter Bankes was instructed to review a potential foul by Deniz Undav on Diogo Dalot in the build-up to the goal. After a lengthy check, the goal was overturned, much to the astonishment of the Brighton players, coaching staff, and fans.

A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: "The VAR reviewed the referee's on-field goal decision, considered that there was a foul by van Hecke on Dalot in the build-up to the goal and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed."

A Breakdown of the Incident:

  • Subjective Call: The decision to disallow the goal was highly subjective, with many arguing that the contact between Undav and Dalot was minimal and did not warrant a foul.
  • VAR Inconsistencies: The incident highlighted the inconsistencies in VAR decision-making, with similar fouls often being overlooked in other matches.
  • Impact on the Game: The disallowed goal had a significant impact on the momentum of the game. Brighton, who had been in control, were momentarily deflated, while United were given a lifeline.

Reactions and Implications:

  • Player and Manager Reactions: Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was visibly furious with the decision, as were his players. De Zerbi argued that the contact was minimal and that the goal should have stood.
  • Fan Outrage: Both Brighton and neutral fans expressed their outrage on social media, questioning the competence of the VAR officials and the fairness of the system.
  • Premier League Under Pressure: The incident has once again put the Premier League's use of VAR under scrutiny. Critics argue that the system is overly complex and prone to human error.
  • Implications for Brighton: While the disallowed goal did not ultimately affect the outcome of the match, it could have a significant impact on Brighton's confidence and their ability to challenge for a European place.

The Future of VAR

The controversy surrounding the disallowed goal has reignited the debate about the future of VAR in football. Many believe that the system needs to be simplified and made more consistent. Others argue that VAR is a valuable tool that can help to improve the accuracy of decision-making.

The controversial VAR decision in the Brighton vs. Manchester United match has highlighted the ongoing challenges associated with implementing this technology in football. While VAR has the potential to improve the fairness of the game, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure that it is used consistently and effectively.


More news