Picture Credit: Twitter
In sports, there are things which go hand in hand. For example: MS Dhoni and trophies, Cristiano Ronaldo and records, Lionel Messi and assists, Sebastian Vettel and honest interviews, and so on. Similarly, there is one combination which has become a common trend nowadays - Premier League and VAR controversy.
The rule of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced in order to rectify the errors made on field. However, things have not really according to what was expected. Instead, it has resulted in more drama as some shocking decisions have been taken in recent times even after referees have watched number of replays.
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The latest victim of the shocking decision making were Everton, who are currently in a relegation battle, fighting to stay in Premier League. After going a goal behind, the Toffees got a possible opportunity to make their way back in the contest against Man City, after Rodri handled the ball inside box late in final few minutes of the match.
It looked like a clear penalty and that would have been the chance for Everton to make it 1-1 and earn a crucial point. However, what happened at Goodison Park was nothing short of shocking. The on-field referee Paul Tierney was unmoved by the penalty shout, and as the VAR had a close look at it, referee Chris Kavanagh suggested that there was not enough evidence to turn the on-field call.
The VAR did not even ask Paul Tierney to have a look at it himself (there is a provision which allows on-field referees to see the replay themselves). As a result, no penalty was awarded and Everton eventually lost the match 0-1.
It is so incompetent to get it wrong: Frank Lampard
After the match, Everton's manager Frank Lampard talked to media and delivered an epic rant against VAR and referee Chris Kavanagh. Reflecting on the incident, he said, "The decision is incredible, incredible, and that loses us the opportunity to get what we deserved."
Lampard explained that he spoke to on-field referee Paul Tierney and got to know that there was no off-side in the build-up. Hence, he blamed VAR assistant Chris Kavanagh for the shocking call, despite having the luxury to watch the replays again and again.
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He said, "Go to VAR, they have two minutes to look at it and to think they have not given that as a penalty when it strikes him on the arm, in an unnatural position. I have a three-year-old daughter at home who could tell you that was a penalty."
"We've lost a point because of a professional (Chris Kavanagh) who cannot do his job right. You start searching for whys and I can't think why. It is so incompetent to get it wrong," Lampard added.
The comments made by Lampard is certainly going to land him in trouble with Football Association (FA) likely to take actions against him. However, the fans and media were full of praise for Everton manager for his braveness to speak out against VAR and referee Chris Kavanagh, who has been subject to many controversial decisions this season.