What happened: In the 60th minute with Manchester United 1-0 up, Southampton forward Che Adams attempted to chest down a lofted pass to the edge of the area. The ball hit the arm of Scott McTominay but referee Andy Madley waved away appeals for a penalty.
VAR decision: No penalty.
VAR review: While the ball hit McTominay three times, there is only one possible handball offence — from the initial rebound off Adams’ chest onto the outstretched arm of the United midfielder.
VAR decision: No VAR intervention possible.
VAR Review: As referee Darren England had blown his whistle before Ayew scored, the VAR has no recourse to award a goal. Play stops at the moment the referee blows and anything after that point cannot be reviewed. It would have been better for England to allow the ball to enter the goal before stopping play (see the Chelsea vs. Leicester section for more on this.)
It’s worth explaining the decision itself, as it confused many supporters.
Law 12 states than an indirect free kick should be awarded if a player:
– prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it.
VAR decision: No red card.
VAR Review: A caution for Haaland was the best outcome here, because the City striker’s challenge was reckless. It’s surprising that England didn’t produce a yellow card considering he had a very clear view of the incident.
