VAR splits Premier League fans after Man Utd and Tottenham incidents

Jurgen Klopp reviews Leeds United win

Express Sport readers are equally divided on whether the Premier League should remove VAR. The English top flight has been riddled with controversial decisions this season, with discussions about the technology being spurred on with every passing week.

Earlier this week, the conversation was reignited once again after Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold handled the ball in the build-up to Cody Gakpo’s goal against Leeds. The England international appeared to have his arm raised when tackling Junior Firpo, but the video assistant referee decided not to intervene.

When the Premier League season concludes, VAR will be blamed by some teams for their league position – and some have grown tired of the constant debate.

We asked Express Sport readers whether they would ‘scrap’ the idea, and the responses speak volumes. Half of the 8,000 respondents agreed that they would like a return to former ways, with 50% wanting VAR to be persisted with in hope of more consistency.

Don’t miss…
Man Utd given reminder to fast-track transfer talks after Europe exit[LATEST]

Statistics show that Manchester United are one of the main beneficiaries of Stockley Park, with Harry Maguire recently being fortunate to not have given a penalty away against Nottingham Forest. The defender handed a cross, though it was ruled not to have been a clear and obvious error by VAR.

The Red Devils also were fortunate to see Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Manchester City allowed after Marcus Rashford latched onto a pass when clearly offside before deciding not to touch the ball.

Don’t miss…
Moises Caicedo makes feelings clear on Arsenal in honest interview[LATEST]
Transfer news LIVE as Man Utd face battle for striker[BLOG]
Man Utd have six obvious summer transfers to make after Sevilla exit[NEWS]

Arsenal have had their title charge somewhat hampered by VAR, with PGMOL admitting their errors to the club. Two points were dropped by the Gunners against Brentford when Ivan Toney’s equaliser was not chalked off despite Christian Norgaard being in an offside position in the build-up – with Lee Mason making a ‘human error’ when not drawing lines to judge the situation.

Their north London rivals Tottenham were somewhat fortunate recently after VAR made a series of errors in their side’s match against Brighton, all of which benefitted Christian Stellini’s side. The Seagulls saw Kauro Mitoma’s goal ruled out for handball despite it hitting above his sleeve length before the Japan international was at the heart of the action once again when being fouled inside the box by Pierre-Emile Hjojberg. Play continued and VAR ruled that the Spurs midfielder did not make enough contact to justify awarding a penalty, with PGMOL later apologising – and being questioned for other decisions in the match, including the disallowed goal.

Source: Read Full Article