The Premier League has addressed the VAR issue regarding the game-winning header by John Stones for Manchester City against Wolves.
Click here for more football updates.
Check out M88 Mansion’s best offers here.
What happened at the last minute?
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially ruled out the goal for offside, believing that midfielder Bernardo Silva was in an offside position and had made contact with goalkeeper Jose Sa.
However, Kavanagh consulted VAR and conducted an on-field review.
After reviewing the footage, Kavanagh reversed his decision, allowing Stones’ 95th-minute goal to stand.
Slow-motion video shows Silva standing close to Sa in an offside position as Foden prepares to take a corner.
The review deemed the Portuguese star a non-factor in goalkeeper’s ability to play.
After the game Wolves coach Gary O’Neil was seen tearing his hair out after seeing the decision go against his side.
During the postgame cknference O’Neil criticized the referee for favoring City.
“Is there something subconscious about the decision-making that favours Man City over Wolves?” O’Neil asked.
“If I had to upset someone on the street, between a little guy and a big guy, I’d go for the little guy. I have nothing against the little guy, but you know what I mean. I know the referees are completely honest, doing the best job they can and I have complete respect for them. But the decision can go to the big team when there’s a dispute.”
Premier League addresses game-winning header by Stones
Meanwhile, the Premier League Match centre sided with the VAR call.
“Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision,” it said in a statement.
“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
Stones believes the officials made the right call.
“We have been trying super hard to improve our set pieces and make the most of them. Today was a new focus and attitude towards them,” he said.
“Hopefully this is the start of many more. It is a vital part of the game at both ends of the pitch and really pleasing for me personally to get the winner after such a difficult game.”