VAR in the Premier League: Bruno's Offside, Sánchez's Red Card, and Controversial Penalties

The VAR in the Premier League: Controversial Decisions and Detailed Analysis

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to generate controversy in the Premier League every week. In Alofoke Deportes, we analyze the most important decisions, examining the process and the application of the rules of the game. In this edition, we review key plays, including the red card to Robert Sánchez of Chelsea, a possible offside in Bruno Fernandes’ goal, and unsanctioned penalties. Furthermore, we assess whether Newcastle United should have had a penalty in their favor against AFC Bournemouth.

Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea

Possible Offside: Fernandes Goal

Bruno Fernandes put Manchester United ahead in the 14th minute. The play originated after a header from Patrick Dorgu. A possible offside was evaluated, both for Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko.

VAR Decision: Goal validated.

Premier League release VAR footage for Man United's opener vs. ChelseaTake a look at how Bruno Fernandes stayed onside for Manchester United's opening goal against Chelsea.

VAR Analysis: The semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) was used to determine the position of the players. In this case, it was determined that Fernandes was in a legal position.

There was a question of offside against both Benjamin Sesko and goal scorer Bruno Fernandes.

The clarity of offside animations in tight situations remains a topic of debate. In this play, the analysis determined that Fernandes was onside, despite the proximity of the position to the offside line.

How tight was Burnley's offside goal vs. Man United?Take a look at the VAR decision for Lyle Foster's disallowed goal for Burnley vs. Manchester United.

Possible Red Card: Sánchez and Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo broke away towards the goal in the fourth minute, being brought down by Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez. The referee showed the red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO). VAR reviewed the play.VAR Decision: Red card confirmed.VAR Analysis: The referee considered the situation and the red card was upheld. It was discussed whether Mbeumo got to the ball first, but the final decision stood.

Bryan Mbeumo would have been clean through before being brought down by Robert Sánchez.

The play was reviewed, and it was determined that Sánchez’s action deserved the expulsion.

Without a DOGSO red card the VAR could have considered possible serious foul play due to the height of Robert Sánchez's challenge on Bryan Mbeumo.

Sánchez’s challenge height was also considered for a possible serious foul, although there was not enough force.

Possible Penalty: Mazraoui and Pedro

In the 34th minute, João Pedro fell in the area after a tackle by Noussair Mazraoui. The referee did not call a penalty, and VAR reviewed the play.VAR Decision: No penalty.

Noussair Mazraoui got a touch on the ball before contact with João Pedro.

VAR Analysis: Mazraoui touched the ball before contacting Pedro, which was considered a legal tackle. The natural contact after playing the ball was not enough to call a penalty.

Possible Red Card: Cucurella and Mazraoui

Marc Cucurella received a yellow card in the 44th minute for a hard tackle on Mazraoui. The possibility of a red card was evaluated.VAR Decision: No red card.

Marc Cucurella's challenge was strong but didn't cross the line for a red card.

VAR Analysis: Although Cucurella jumped to make the tackle, it was low and on the ball, not the opponent. The yellow card was the correct decision.

Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle

Possible Penalty: Tonali’s Hand

In the 28th minute, after a free kick by David Brooks, the ball hit Sandro Tonali’s arm inside the area. The referee did not call a penalty, and VAR reviewed the play.VAR Decision: No penalty.VAR Analysis: It was considered that the ball reached Tonali unexpectedly. In addition, the instinctive action of protecting himself was taken into account.

The ball hits the arm of Sandro Tonali inside the area.

Possible Penalty: Diakité and Woltemade

In the 51st minute, after a cross from Valentino Livramento, Nick Woltemade fell in the area after a tussle with Bafodé Diakité. The referee did not call a penalty.VAR Decision: No penalty.VAR Analysis: It was assessed whether Diakité’s grab was sufficient for a penalty and if Woltemade exaggerated the fall.

Bafodé Diakité pulls on the shirt of Nick Woltemade.

The VAR considered the way the attacker fell, determining that the fall may have been exaggerated.

Nick Woltemade went down too theatrically for a VAR penalty.

Fulham 3-1 Brentford

Possible Disallowed Goal: Muniz and Collins

Rodrigo Muniz scored Fulham’s fourth goal in the 59th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a foul by Muniz on Nathan Collins.VAR Decision: Goal disallowed.VAR Analysis: Collins was hit in the face by Muniz’s arm, preventing him from challenging for the ball.

Rodrigo Muniz catches Brentford defender Nathan Collins in the face with his elbow.

Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa

Possible Red Card: Reinildo

Reinildo Mandava received a red card in the 33rd minute for an alleged kick on Matty Cash. VAR reviewed the play.VAR Decision: Red card confirmed.VAR Analysis: Reinildo reacted to a tackle by Cash with a kick. The referee observed the action and decided on the expulsion.