What happened: In the 93rd minute, De Bruyne went down under a challenge from Antonee Robinson. Referee Darren England pointed to the penalty spot.
VAR decision: Penalty stands, scored by Erling Haaland for City to win 2-1.
VAR review: Two seasons ago there were lots of “soft” penalties like this. These have mostly been eradicated as referees look for contact with a consequence from the defender, while an exaggerated fall by an attacker is also taken into account — but we still see some given by a referee.
It’s up for debate whether the VAR, Stuart Attwell, would have advised a review for a penalty, due to the way De Bruyne went down theatrically (more on this to come.) But the contact on the Belgian’s ankle by Robinson makes it very unlikely that the VAR would overturn the spot kick if given. The ethos around soft penalties should still be focused on the referee’s decision on the field of play (more on this to come too.)
VAR decision: Penalty and red card stand.
VAR review: An easy decision for the VAR to confirm. Wilson had control of the ball, was through inside the area and would have got a shot on goal.
Cancelo not only used his upper body to challenge Wilson, he also brought his left leg across the Fulham midfielder and was making no challenge for the ball. It’s that last point which means Cancelo had to be sent off; if the Man City defender had made any attempt at the ball it would only have been a caution.
