Analyzing the Week’s Most Controversial Calls in the Premier League
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system continues to spark debate in the Premier League, with several contentious decisions made over the weekend. Let’s delve into the most notable incidents and explore the reasoning behind the VAR’s verdicts.
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez was fortunate to escape a red card at Crystal Palace after a reckless challenge on Daichi Kamada. Although Martínez didn’t make contact with Kamada, his two-footed jump into the tackle endangered the opponent’s safety. The laws of the game don’t require contact for a red card offense, making Martínez’s actions a clear candidate for a sending-off.
In another incident, Manchester United’s free kick into the area led to a potential handball situation involving Maxence Lacroix and Jefferson Lerma. However, the VAR correctly decided not to intervene, as both players’ arms were in justifiable positions and didn’t extend away from their bodies.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli was accused of fouling Manchester City goalkeeper Éderson before scoring, but the VAR ruled in favor of the goal. This decision is consistent with previous Premier League rulings, where blocking a goalkeeper’s path without making a clear move into their space is deemed normal football contact.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s actions during a Brentford attack raised eyebrows, but the VAR correctly decided against a red card. Vicario’s handling of the ball outside the area didn’t deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, as the direction of travel was away from goal and the opposing player didn’t have a realistic chance to gain control.
West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville was denied a penalty against Chelsea after being held by Wesley Fofana. The VAR’s decision not to intervene was correct, as the holding was fleeting and Summerville went down too easily. This ruling is in line with the Premier League’s high bar for penalties, which prioritizes referee’s calls over VAR interventions.
As the season progresses, it’s essential to understand the nuances of VAR protocol and the laws of the game. By examining these incidents, we can better appreciate the complexities of refereeing decisions and the role of technology in shaping the beautiful game.
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