The Premier League season has barely started and there has already been a goal ruled out by VAR in controversial circumstances.
In the early kick-off on Saturday, Manchester City thought they had extended their 2-0 lead over West Ham when Gabriel Jesus tapped home Raheem Sterling’s pass.
But the goal was chalked off after being checked by officals in the VAR centre as Sterling was adjudged to have been offside by the narrowest of margins
It was ruled that Sterling’s shoulder was just ahead of West Ham defender Ryan Fredericks by millimetres.
It is the first time a goal has been disallowed in Premier League history, with the technology only introduced in the English top-flight at the start of the season.
The decision to chalk off Jesus’ strike was questioned by City stars, who were stunned by the call.
City went on to make it 3-0 with Sterling netting his second of the afternoon.
VAR once again checked it – as it will every goal this season – and this time the England ace was deemed to be onside.
It was a narrow call once more, with Sterling timing his run to perfection after a terrific through ball from Riyad Mahrez before expertly finishing.
It also ruled in City’s favour when Lukasz Fabianski was penalised for coming off his line to save Sergio Aguero’s penalty. That meant the City striker was awarded a second chance to score from the spot, which he duly took.
City ended up winning 5-0, with Sterling scoring a hat-trick.
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