The audio from the VAR review of Leeds’ equaliser against Chelsea in a recent Premier League match has been released, highlighting a contentious moment.
Liam Rosenior will be upset with his team for squandering a two-goal advantage, contributing to their total loss of 19 points this season.
Many backed Chelsea’s defence after Noah Okafor’s goal, arguing it should have been disallowed according to the rules.
VAR termed Leeds’ handball as ‘accidental’ before equalising goal against Chelsea
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
This is where VAR official John Brooks and the on-field referee decided to allow the goal.
In audio shared by ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’, Robert Jones mentioned: “It doesn’t feel deliberate, John, but obviously check it.”
Brooks then noted: “The ball is bouncing. He tries to avoid it. It touches his elbow. It’s not a deliberate handball.”
Simon Bennett, the assistant VAR, agreed, and Brooks concluded by stating: “Rob, confirming the on-field decision; the check is complete. The ball touches the Leeds player’s arm during the attacking phase, but it is an accidental handball and he is not the goalscorer.”
This might have been overlooked if Cole Palmer hadn’t missed a key chance late in the match.
Chelsea is struggling with refereeing decisions this season
Chelsea has received the most red cards this season, which has impacted their points tally.
In an earlier match against Brentford, Mark Clattenburg argued that VAR should have intervened when a player in an offside position helped setup Brentford’s equaliser.
A win there would have placed Chelsea at the top of the table at that time, and it’s evident that dealing with long throws has been a recurring issue for them.
Aiming to avoid further refereeing issues, they will visit the Emirates this Sunday. Their last league encounter against Arsenal was marked by Moises Caicedo’s red card.