Launched VAR discussions clarify why Havertz penalty was overturned
T
he Premier League and the PGMOL have launched discussions between officers for six key incidents up to now this season.
In the primary episode of ‘Match Officials: Mic’d Up’, Howard Webb talked by means of sure choices made by officers on the pitch and people on VAR obligation at Stockley Park up to now this season.
One of these got here on Sunday on the Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-1 in a dramatic encounter. A late VAR name helped the Gunners, as Alejandro Garnacho’s strike was dominated out for offside, however a choice earlier within the second-half went in opposition to them.
Kai Havertz drove into the United field and went down as he moved between Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot as he deemed the right-back to have tripped the Arsenal midfielder.
As is the case when any penalty is awarded, a VAR evaluate started and Taylor was suggested to look at a replay on the pitch-side monitor.
“What you’re going to see is Wan-Bissaka will step across, when there’s no contact with the right foot,” the referee was advised as he made his strategy to the touchline.
“There’s minimal contact then from Havertz’s left foot as he runs through.”
After consulting the footage, Taylor agreed that Havertz had not been tripped by Wan-Bissaka, returning to the pitch to and overturning his resolution to award Arsenal a penalty.
“Havertz kicks the leg and Wan-Bissaka doesn’t make a challenge,” he defined.
“OK perfect, so restart, drop-ball to the keeper. Thank you.”
Speaking to Michael Owen on the brand new programme that may analyse the usage of VAR, PGMOL chief Webb praised the work of VAR to assist the referee.
“It was a good use of VAR,” he stated. “The referee believed that Wan-Bissaka had tripped Havertz, but the video shows something quite different that there’s no actual contact initially.
“Another step by Havertz, his leg goes into Wan-Bissaka. The VAR, really calm and concise, recognises all of that, thinks it’s a clear and obvious error. I agree. Recommends a review. We get to the right decision.”