The Premier League’s Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system once again dominated headlines over the weekend in EPL Gameweek 2.
From Manchester United’s contentious penalty at Fulham to Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford’s challenge on Mohammed Kudus, refereeing standards and VAR’s high bar for intervention were placed under the microscope.
Here’s a full review of the major incidents, the reasoning behind VAR calls, and why some decisions left supporters scratching their heads.
Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
Possible Disallowed Goal: Leny Yoro Pushes Bassey
Incident: In the 58th minute, United defender Leny Yoro’s header, which deflected off Fulham strike, Rodrigo Muniz found the net.
However, replays showed Yoro placing both hands on Calvin Bassey to create space. VAR checked for a foul but allowed the goal to stand.
VAR Review:
Last season, only four goals were disallowed in the Premier League due to a foul in the buildup, making intervention in such scenarios rare.
Officials argued Yoro’s push didn’t reach the “clear and obvious” threshold.
“With the high bar in the Premier League, there is a reluctance to get involved in this kind of situation,” the review explained, referencing similar incidents where pushes went unpunished.
Verdict: This was called for inconsistency, especially with similar pushes penalized in the past (e.g., Enzo Fernández’s disallowed strike for Chelsea last season).
Penalty Awarded: Bassey on Mount
Incident: In the 33rd minute, Mason Mount was thrown to the ground by Bassey during a corner. Play continued, but VAR Darren England reviewed the challenge and sent referee Chris Kavanagh to the monitor.
United were awarded a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes missed.
VAR Review:
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has emphasized cracking down on “extreme non-football actions,” such as dragging or throwing opponents.
Bassey’s actions were clear, and VAR determined Mount was fouled first, before Luke Shaw’s separate tussle with Muniz.
Manchester City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Possible Red Card: Trafford on Kudus
Incident: In the 40th minute, Trafford collided with Kudus outside the area. Many felt it was denial of a goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), but VAR ruled no red card.
VAR Review:
Trafford’s arm was close to his body, ruling out handball. His raised knee was deemed not “excessive force,” and his slight touch on the ball negated DOGSO.
“It can look and feel like it should be a DOGSO red card, but there could be one crucial element missing,” the review noted.
Verdict: No VAR intervention.
Possible Penalty: Van de Ven on Bobb
Incident: In the 52nd minute, Micky van de Ven stepped on Oscar Bobb’s foot after losing possession. Referee Peter Bankes waved play on, and VAR upheld the decision.
VAR Review:
Similar incidents have been punished, such as Enzo Fernández on Antony, while lighter contact resulted in a penalty for Arsenal vs. Leeds.
Verdict: Should have been a penalty.
Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United
Possible Handball: Saliba Before Timber Goal
Incident: Arsenal’s fourth goal saw William Saliba appear to handle before Jurriën Timber scored.
VAR Review:
Accidental handball isn’t an offense unless by the scorer. Saliba’s positioning was deemed natural.
Verdict: Goal correctly stood.
