VAR took centre stage once more on Thursday night when a controversial first-half penalty was awarded to Manchester United during their encounter at Aston Villa.
Bruno Fernandes was involved in the major talking point at Villa Park, with the Portuguese winning a soft spot-kick – which he then converted – after treading on Ezri Konsa’s foot on the edge of the area before hitting the deck.
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In winning the penalty United made it 13 spot-kicks for the 2019/20 Premier League season, equalling the record held by Leicester in 2015-16 and Crystal Palace in 2004-05.
It was a decision which left many bewildered, especially as it looked as though Fernandes had committed a foul on Konsa, as opposed to the other way round.
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel expressed his disbelief at the decision on Twitter writing: “I am sorry, but that was not a penalty. VAR continues to be a joke..
“What is the point of VAR when it doesn’t correct a clear and obvious refereeing mistake like that?”
Liverpool favourite and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher responded to Schmeichel’s initial tweet, appearing to defend the video assistant referee and suggesting the official was at fault – having rewatched the incident.
“Agree with the first bit,” he wrote, “but don’t forget VAR is just a replay of an incident! An official watched that again & still give it!!!!”
The retired shot stopper responded: “So saying that, how many times has a penalty given been reversed by the VAR referee/official?”
Villa were equally baffled by the decision, tweeting the below picture which clearly shows Fernandes standing on the defender’s foot.
Some real sass from the Midlands outfit there – and who can blame them?
The more pressing question is when will this continued uncertainty with VAR come to an end?
