The Premier League released a lengthy statement detailing a significant VAR judgment that affected Newcastle United.
The Premier League has supplied information on a number of disputed VAR rulings in recent weeks, including one involving Newcastle United. Stockley Park officials have recently had to intervene in multiple Newcastle games, with penalties granted and goals disallowed.
On the latter, Alexander Isak’s magnificent strike in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg triumph over Arsenal was ruled out due to offside. Just a few weeks before, in a win against Southampton, the Swede benefited from a foul in the box that was detected by the technology.
The Premier League verified that the event occurred during the previous weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth. Despite Andoni Iraola’s side suffering serious injuries, the Cherries prevailed 4-1 at St James’ Park, but it could have been five if VAR had not intervened.
Dango Ouattara thought he had scored in the second half, but replays revealed that, despite Sandro Tonali’s best efforts, the ball had gone out of play before he scored. Though the action did not directly result in the goal, the Premier League has explained why it was not given.
A statement on their website read: “During Newcastle United’s match against Bournemouth in Match Round 22, Sandro Tonali attempted a clearance to save his side from facing a corner, but it was intercepted on the edge of the box by Ryan Christie, and Dango Ouattara scored during the same attacking possession phase (APP).
“As always, the VAR reviewed the goal and quickly determined that the ball was out of play prior to Tonali’s clearance.”
“As the VAR determined that this was part of the same APP, they suggested that the goal be disallowed. “If the VAR had determined that this was a separate possession phase, the goal would have stood.”
Referring to a similar decision made in a previous game against Newcastle and Arsenal, the statement continued: “In situations like this, which the VAR can check, the VAR requires factual evidence that differs from the on-field decision to intervene.”
“In a game between Newcastle and Arsenal last season, Joe Willock was deemed to have kept the ball in before assisting Anthony Gordon. The referee’s goal call was upheld because the VAR could not discover conclusive evidence that the ball was out of play from the available replays.
