The Premier League’s use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has once again come under intense scrutiny following a weekend packed with contentious calls.
From Fulham’s fury over a disallowed goal against Chelsea to Manchester United’s dramatic late penalty against Burnley, the weekend’s action has reignited debate over officiating standards in England’s top flight.
According to ESPN, below are some controversies that made the headline;
VAR: Fulham’s King’s Goal Ruled Out in Stamford Bridge Controversy
Fulham thought they had taken the lead in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge when Josh King scored on the break, but VAR official Michael Salisbury flagged a foul by Rodrigo Muniz on Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah in the buildup.
Referee Rob Jones disallowed the goal after a pitchside review.
However, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) later admitted the intervention was incorrect, and Salisbury was removed from VAR duties for Sunday’s Liverpool vs. Arsenal clash.
PGMO chief Howard Webb personally contacted Fulham to explain the error.
Fulham defender Antonee Robinson slammed the standard of officiating, blasting VAR on Instagram:
“If they can check something for five minutes and still get it wrong, then what’s actually the point? Standard of officiating in the Prem [Premier League] has been shocking for a while now.”
Manager Marco Silva, equally furious expressed his disbelief:
“How do you disallow a goal like that? It’s unbelievable. We have meetings with the referees, the people in charge that we respect.”
“We go there to see a direction, and one of the main things is that VAR is not here to re-referee the game.”
“For me it’s unbelievable to disallow that goal. I don’t want to say more, as I will be punished.”
VAR Review: The Call That Sparked a Storm
The review and analysis shows Muniz stepped on Chalobah’s boot in a natural movement as he turned in the Fulham half, with no change of possession or tactical advantage gained.
Officials judged it a foul that led to the attack, but many experts disagreed.
The decision was widely condemned, with Webb acting quickly to stand down Salisbury. It’s not the first time he’s been dropped; he was also stood down in April 2023 after failing to give Brighton a penalty against Tottenham.
Breaking Down Chelsea Penalty vs. Fulham
In the 52nd minute, Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Ryan Sessegnon blocked Trevoh Chalobah’s cross with a raised arm. Enzo Fernández scored from the spot, sealing a 2-0 win.
Though the call was correct, it took 3½ minutes to reach a decision, further eroding confidence in the system.
VAR also examined a potential handball by Fulham’s João Pedro earlier in the move but ruled it accidental.
“In isolation, this should have been an easy VAR intervention with little controversy,” the review noted.
“Correct outcome, but it took too long.”
Chelsea went on to win 2-0, but VAR dominated the post-match conversation.
Old Trafford Late Show: United Beat Burnley Amid VAR Drama
Manchester United’s chaotic 3-2 win over Burnley featured four major VAR checks.
- Penalty Overturned (Walker on Mount):
Referee Sam Barrott initially awarded United a spot-kick for Kyle Walker’s challenge on Mason Mount, but VAR Stuart Attwell correctly overturned it after finding no foul contact.
- Burnley Goal Disallowed for Offside:
Lyle Foster’s equalizer was ruled out by semi-automated offside, with part of his arm ahead of the defensive line.
“The angle is of little use… what the technology deems to be the final decision will be used, even if the picture doesn’t seem definitive,” the review explained.
- Late United Penalty for Shirt Pull:
In stoppage time, Jaidon Anthony was penalized for holding Amad Diallo’s shirt. United captain Bruno Fernandes scored the winning penalty.
PGMO has made a point at clamping down on clear holding offenses… This was the correct call,” analysts said.
Sunderland vs. Brentford: Double Penalty Drama
At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Brentford saw two penalties awarded:
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Reinildo’s Foul on Collins: A clear holding offense was punished, though Kevin Schade missed the spot-kick.
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Brentford Penalty: Awarded for Reinildo Mandava wrestling Nathan Collins to the ground.
“Reinildo wasn’t looking at the ball… another holding offense PGMO wants to eradicate.”
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Sunderland Penalty: Given for Rico Henry pulling Habib Diarra’s shirt. The decision stood despite being “soft.”
Bruno Fernandes scored the resulting penalty to secure victory.
