In a dramatic finish to the Premier League match between West Ham and Manchester United, a controversial VAR decision awarded a stoppage-time penalty to West Ham. Referee David Coote initially did not award the penalty, but after VAR suggested an on-field review, the decision was overturned, causing outrage among United players and manager Erik ten Hag. Defender Matthijs de Ligt argued that there was minimal contact with substitute Danny Ings and even claimed the ball hit Ings' hand first, but the penalty stood, leading to West Ham's 2-1 victory. The Premier League has since explained their decision, citing sufficient contact on Ings' lower leg.
In a highly-anticipated Premier League clash on Sunday, March 5th, 2023, a controversial VAR decision overshadowed West Ham United's 2-1 home victory over Manchester United.
Background
The incident occurred in the dying minutes of the match with West Ham clinging onto a narrow 1-0 lead. Substitute Danny Ings received a pass inside the penalty area and went down under a challenge from United defender Matthijs de Ligt. Referee David Coote initially deemed the contact insufficient to award a penalty, but VAR intervened and recommended an on-field review.
After a lengthy consultation, Coote overturned his original decision and pointed to the spot. West Ham striker Michail Antonio stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, securing a dramatic victory for the hosts.
United's Outrage
The decision sparked immediate outrage among United players and manager Erik ten Hag. De Ligt vehemently protested the call, arguing that Ings had initiated the contact and that the ball had hit his hand first. Ten Hag labeled the decision "embarrassing" and accused VAR of "ruining the game."
Premier League Explanation
The Premier League has since issued a statement explaining their decision, stating that there was "sufficient contact on Ings' lower leg" to justify awarding the penalty. They also clarified that the VAR review process is independent and that the on-field referee has the final say on all decisions.
Top 5 FAQs
Why did VAR intervene in the decision?
What did the VAR official see that the referee missed?
Was Ings' handball a factor in the decision?
Why was Manchester United so upset?
What impact will this decision have on the Premier League?
Conclusion
The controversial VAR decision at the end of the West Ham vs Manchester United match has sparked significant discussion and debate. While West Ham celebrated a hard-fought victory, United will be left rueing the decision that cost them a point. The Premier League's explanation has attempted to clarify the decision-making process, but the controversy is likely to continue as the season progresses.
Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Paul Merson weigh in on what they call the "biggest VAR decision of the season" as Arsenal's potential winning goal against Fulham is ruled out due to an offside call on Gabriel Martinelli. The disallowed goal resulted in a 1-1 draw for Arsenal, missing the opportunity to trail Liverpool by only four points. The unexpected turn of events could have a significant impact on the Premier League title race.
In a thrilling match, substitute Ferran Torres played a key role in securing a 3-2 victory for Barcelona against Borussia Dortmund. The win moves Barcelona closer to qualification for the next round of the Champions League. Despite Dortmund's valiant efforts, they were unable to come back a third time after Torres scored from a pass by Lamine Yamal.
FIFA makes major announcements, awarding host nations for the next two men's World Cups - Saudi Arabia for 2034 and a joint bid from Morocco, Portugal and Spain for the 2030 edition. Additionally, the 2027 Women's World Cup will be held in Brazil and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup will take place in Qatar. These decisions were made at the virtual Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting on Wednesday. A reminder is also given that the USA, Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup.
In the aftermath of Barcelona's defeat to Real Sociedad, a Spanish referee's conversation with Hansi Flick has been revealed, shedding light on the controversial offside call that denied Robert Lewandowski a goal. The referee insisted that the decision was correct and there was no foul play involved, despite Flick's protests. The close call, made with the assistance of VAR, sparked frustration and debate among fans, further highlighting the importance and impact of technology in modern-day football.
Since joining Arsenal in 2018, Martin Odegaard has become a key figure in the team's revival, eventually being named captain in 2022. With his 100th game as captain, Odegaard now holds the best record with a rate percentage of any captain in the club's history over the past 30 years, surpassing the likes of Tony Adams, Thierry Henry, and Patrick Vieira. Odegaard himself spoke out about the achievement, highlighting his role in Arsenal's success on and off the field.
Chelsea have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Raphinha, with reports claiming Barcelona have set a massive asking price of €100 million for the Brazilian winger. The 27-year-old has been in sensational form this season and has caught the attention of multiple top clubs, including Chelsea. However, the Blues will have to splash the cash if they are to secure his services, as Barca are unwilling to budge on their steep demands.
After a quiet first half, the game came to life in the second half with Raphinha opening the scoring for Barcelona before Serhou Guirassy equalized for Dortmund from the penalty spot. But Torres' two goals, including the winner in the 85th minute, sealed the win for Barcelona and moved them up to second in the group standings. This win also guarantees them a spot in the last 16, as they finish in the top eight of the group rankings.
In a heated Champions League match, Benfica were unable to secure a crucial win as they were held to a goalless draw by Bologna. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis had multiple chances but was denied by Bologna's keeper Lukasz Skorupski. Even with Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria on the attack, Benfica were unable to break through Bologna's defense, resulting in a tense and intense match with 10 yellow cards issued by the referee.
City's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League took a major hit with their 2-0 defeat to Juventus. Despite a strong performance in the first half, City were unable to capitalise on their opportunities, and ultimately fell to a well-oiled Juventus side. City now sit in 22nd place in the Champions League table, with just two games left to secure their place in the next round. With their current standing, City will likely have to go through a knockout playoff to make it to the last 16, adding further pressure to their already struggling squad.
Tashinga Musekiwa's incredible performance in the final over of the match helped Zimbabwe secure a thrilling four-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first T20 of the three-match series. The all-rounder's 11 runs off the last over, including a crucial four, sealed the win for the hosts after a strong batting display from Afghanistan. Despite a valiant effort from Afghan batsmen Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi, Zimbabwe's tight bowling and Musekiwa's heroics proved to be too much for the visitors, marking only the second T20 triumph for Zimbabwe over Afghanistan in their history.