Why Nørgaard saw red, Southampton penalty vs. Liverpool, tackle on Palmer

VAR Drama: Breaking Down the Weekend’s Most Controversial Premier League Decisions

Another weekend of Premier League action, another round of VAR controversies. It seems like every week, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) takes center stage, sparking debates among fans, pundits, and players alike. But how exactly are these decisions made, and were they correct this time around? Let’s dive into the key incidents from this weekend and break down the decisions based on VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.

Everton 0-0 Brentford

Possible Red Card: Nørgaard’s Challenge on Pickford

What happened: In the 39th minute, Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard collided with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford while attempting to reach a ball in the box. Referee Chris Kavanagh didn’t call a foul, but as Pickford stayed down clutching his knee, VAR Matt Donohue reviewed the incident.

VAR decision: Red card.

VAR review: This decision was the weekend’s most contentious. Many ex-players argued that Nørgaard had every right to go for the ball, but the law is clear: players must be aware of their opponent’s position and avoid reckless challenges. Nørgaard’s studs were raised at knee height, which met the criteria for serious foul play. While there was no intent to harm, intent is no longer a factor in the laws of the game.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has hinted at appealing the three-match ban, but the chances of success are slim. Appeals panels, which include three former players and a referee law expert, rarely overturn such decisions. For example, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes only narrowly won his appeal for a red card earlier this season by a 2-1 vote.

Verdict: Harsh on Nørgaard, but the red card aligns with the laws of the game.

Southampton 2-3 Liverpool

Possible Penalty Overturn: Robertson’s Foul on Dibling

What happened: In the 40th minute, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling was brought down by Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson right on the edge of the penalty area. Referee Sam Barrott awarded a penalty after consulting his assistant. VAR Michael Oliver reviewed the position of the foul.

VAR decision: Penalty stands. Southampton’s Adam Armstrong scored on the rebound after his initial shot was saved.

VAR review: The key question was whether the foul occurred inside the penalty area. While some social media images suggested the foul was outside, these were taken before the actual contact. The decisive contact—Robertson’s calf on Dibling’s shin—was above the penalty area line, which belongs to the box. Without clear evidence to overturn the on-field decision, the penalty stood.

Verdict: Correct decision to let the penalty stand.

Possible Penalty: Kelleher’s Collision with Armstrong

What happened: In the 61st minute, Southampton’s Armstrong collided with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. The referee awarded a free kick against Armstrong for holding.

VAR decision: No penalty.

VAR review: Southampton manager Russell Martin argued for a penalty, but the referee had already stopped play for Armstrong’s foul on Liverpool’s Conor Bradley. While Kelleher’s challenge could have been deemed a penalty, the VAR cannot intervene once the referee has stopped play for a prior foul.

Verdict: Kelleher was fortunate the referee had already blown for a foul.

Leicester 1-2 Chelsea

Possible Red Card: Ndidi’s Foul on Palmer

What happened: In the 22nd minute, Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi stepped on the heel of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Referee Andy Madley issued a yellow card, and VAR Paul Tierney reviewed the incident for a possible red card.

VAR decision: No red card.

VAR review: The VAR determined there wasn’t enough force or intensity in Ndidi’s challenge to warrant a red card. However, this decision highlights a recurring issue in the Premier League: missed serious-foul-play red cards. Last season, a quarter of missed VAR interventions were for such incidents.

Verdict: While the yellow card was upheld, the Premier League’s leniency on serious foul play remains a concern.

Aston Villa 2-2 Crystal Palace

Possible Penalty: Hughes’ Foul on Bailey

What happened: In the 42nd minute, Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey went down under pressure from Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes. Referee Tim Robinson allowed play to continue, but VAR Alex Chilowicz intervened.

VAR decision: Penalty awarded. Villa’s Youri Tielemans had his effort saved by Dean Henderson.

VAR review: The penalty was given for Hughes stepping on Bailey’s heel, preventing him from playing the ball. This is the second such penalty awarded this season, following a similar incident involving Fulham’s Andreas Pereira.

Verdict: Correct decision to award the penalty.

Final Thoughts

VAR continues to divide opinion in the Premier League. While some decisions, like the penalties for Southampton and Aston Villa, were clear-cut, others, such as Nørgaard’s red card and Ndidi’s yellow, remain hotly debated. As the season progresses, the consistency of VAR decisions will remain under the microscope.