The Premier League have released a statement following major VAR blunders.
The Premier League have released a statement demanding a review from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited following a controversial weekend of refereeing and VAR incidents.
The PGMOL accepted that VAR was to blame for two incidents on Saturday afternoon. The body that runs elite referees confirmed in a statement on Sunday that Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL, had contacted the clubs involved about the errors.
John Brooks, the VAR for Crystal Palace v Brighton, disallowed a goal by Pervis Estupiñán because the offside lines were drawn incorrectly, while Lee Mason — the VAR in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford — did not draw the offside lines to check Christian Norgaard’s position before he crossed for Ivan Toney to score in the 74th minute.
Earlier in the day, Chelsea were denied a late penalty against West Ham United despite Tomas Soucek appearing to block Conor Gallagher’s shot with his arm. The incident was checked but no further action was taken.
It then emerged on Monday that Brooks would no longer assume his VAR role that night’s Merseyside derby or Wednesday’s top-of-the-table clash between Arsenal and Manchester City. Andre Marriner was Brooks’ replacement for the game at Anfield.
Mason has been stood down from VAR duty for this weekend’s fixtures, but Brooks does return to duty but away from Stockley Park, and will instead be fourth official for Aston Villa vs Arsenal on Saturday.
And now the Premier League have released a statement condemning the officiating and urging The PGMOL to review and explain several incidents.
“The Premier League sets high standards and is disappointed that PGMOL fell below those expectations last weekend,” the statement said.
“As a result, the Premier League requested that PGMOL review and explain a number of incidents from the recent match round.
Following discussions with PGMOL, and yesterday’s Select Group One review meeting, we support PGMOL’s views on addressing these issues to improve performances going forward.”
