The Premier League will review (Video Assistant Referee) VAR calls in Saturday’s matches involving West Ham and Newcastle United with PGMOL, the official referees organisation.
West Ham lost 2-1 to Chelsea, while Newcastle were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace.
Both matches saw goals ruled out, amid significant controversy with players, managers, pundits, and fans.
Some of the criticism stems from the use of VAR to overrule debatable calls that had already been made – as seen in the two incidents which will be assessed.
West Ham’s Maxwel Cornet thought he had grabbed a late equaliser at Stamford Bridge. But on review by referee Andy Madley, the goal was chalked off because of a challenge by Jarrod Bowen on Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the build-up.
Newcastle were awarded a goal after a cross was bundled over his own line by defender Tyrick Mitchell. However, VAR official Lee Mason got the call overturned because Magpies midfielder Joe Willock collided with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, in an incident believed to have been missed by Michael Salisbury, the on-field referee.
It is not immediately clear what the implications of this urgent review will be, and whether this will change the use of VAR in future top-flight fixtures in England.
