The Premier League has issued a statement clarifying the decision to disallow Brighton’s goal against Manchester United.
Joao Pedro thought he had scored his second goal of the season against United, but the referee ruled it out after a foul by Jan Paul van Hecke on Diogo Dalot was identified earlier in the build-up.
According to the Premier League Match Centre, the referee’s initial decision to award the goal was reviewed by VAR, which deemed van Hecke’s challenge on Dalot to be a foul. As a result, the referee overturned the decision and disallowed the goal.
The call sparked controversy, with pundit Richard Keys voicing his anger on social media, calling the decision “a disgrace” and “an absolute joke.” Many Brighton fans shared his frustration, arguing the goal should have stood.
At the time of the incident, the game was tied 1-1. Yankuba Minteh had opened the scoring for Brighton before Bruno Fernandes equalized for United from the penalty spot.
Despite the setback, Brighton regained the lead through a Kaoru Mitoma goal around the hour mark.
This wasn’t the only contentious VAR moment of the day. Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic believed he had scored his team’s fourth goal against Southampton, but it was ruled out for offside.
The use of VAR remains a divisive topic in the Premier League. While some praise it for improving accuracy and fairness, others criticize its inconsistencies and the disruption it brings to matches.
The decision to disallow Brighton’s goal has reignited debate over the challenges of implementing VAR effectively in top-flight football.
