Amid the huge criticism for the pathetic errors by the referees and officials, Premier League is now going to introduce the VAR (video assistant refereeing) from the next season. However, even VAR cannot guarantee an absolutely right decision as the football world already faced several controversies regarding the VAR itself during the FIFA World 2018 in Russia.
But, all the football pundits, even the fans, hope to see a better referring after the introduction of VAR from the next season. Recently, Southampton forward Charlie Austin went for a rant with the referees asking VAR for his disallowed goal against Watford. No doubt, the whole world will see a calmer Austin from the next season. And, here goes our very own pick of top 5 most controversial referring decisions in the premier league this season.
Ashley Young handball [Manchester United vs. Newcastle United]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aFto97pZJ4
Manchester United defeated Newcastle United by 3-2 on 6th October, but the world witnessed the most pathetic referring decision on that match. Manchester United’s winger Ashley Young cleared a brilliant cross by Jonjo Shelvey with his forearm inside the penalty box. Forget about the red card or a genuine penalty, referee Anthony Taylor didn’t even give a corner kick to Newcastle.
Charlie Austin disallowed goal [Southampton vs. Watford]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akUulaUOH2s
Southampton faced Watford in a heated Premier League clash on 10th November. Manolo Gabbiadin managed to put the Saints on lead which Watford’s Jose Holebas equalized in the second half. Charlie Austin then scored and celebrated as he thought he secured all three points for Southampton. But tragically, referees disallowed the goal due to an offside by Maya Yoshida. But the funniest part, he didn’t even touch the ball.
Kompany only given a yellow card [Manchester City vs. Burnley]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bew15rauIKM
Premier League topper Manchester City just destroyed Burnley by 5-0 score on 20th October. The sky blues’ captain Vincent Kompany received a yellow card for his dangerous tackle on Aaron Lennon. But without any doubt, that was a clear red as Kompany’s challenge was nowhere near the ball and was quite high and absolutely late.
Sadio Mane disallowed goal [Arsenal vs. Liverpool]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a55wGpgBP-o
Liverpool and Arsenal both secured a point each in the heated Premier League draw on 3rd November. But, Liverpool almost claimed all three points as Sadio Mane scored a brilliant goal which officials later disallowed due to offside. It is true that Mane was standing at the offside position but it was not him but Roberto Firmino who went for that ball. Mane was clearly the last man to touch the ball and that too in a clean position.
Aubameyang scores offside goal [Arsenal vs. Everton]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyCEpg5xbmc
Arsenal defeated Everton by 2-0 on 23rd September, but the gunners took a little referring-advantage as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted a goal which was clearly offside. Aaron Ramsey passed the ball to Aubameyang when he was standing at the offside position. But, referees failed to notice the situation and awarded him the second goal.