This weekend’s Premier League motion was rife with drama, with contentious refereeing selections taking centre stage in a number of matches.
Many followers had been left with bitter faces and confusion after seeing targets stand regardless of their protests and there have been just a few controversial penalty calls up for debate.
By the top of Sunday, 1000’s of spectators had been left dumbfounded at a few of the Premier League’s legal guidelines, so now we have offered explanations for 4 of probably the most high-profile incidents from the weekend’s motion.
Why Newcastle’s first aim vs Tottenham was allowed
Newcastle’s opening aim of their 2-1 win over Tottenham sparked controversy as replays appeared to indicate Joelinton dealing with the ball within the build-up.
As midfielder Lucas Bergvall seemed to prod the ball previous the Brazilian worldwide, the ball struck his hand earlier than falling to Bruno Guimaraes, who performed in Anthony Gordon for his or her equaliser.
The aim was allowed to face after a VAR overview.
#TOTNEW – 7’
The referee’s name of aim was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a possible handball by Joelinton within the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his facet, in a pure place and the contact was unintentional.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
The reasoning lies within the Premier League’s handball guidelines, which distinguish between unintentional and deliberate handball.
For handball to disallow a aim within the build-up, the participant should both rating instantly or instantly arrange a aim.
On this occasion, Joelinton’s handball was deemed unintentional and occurred earlier within the sequence of play, which means it didn’t meet the factors for intervention.
Spurs followers had been left pissed off, arguing that the incident disrupted the equity of the sport as with out his hand stopping the ball, they might have been previous Newcastle’s press and on the assault.
Why Gordon was not awarded a penalty?
Later in the identical match, Newcastle had been denied a penalty when Anthony Gordon went down within the field after a problem from Dejan Kulusevski.
Replays confirmed Kulusevski leaning into Gordon along with his shoulder, which made contact with the winger’s face, leaving him in a bloody mess.
Referee Andy Madley waved play on, and VAR didn’t intervene, leaving Newcastle followers livid. #
The officers judged that Kulusevski’s contact was incidental and never reckless or extreme, which is required for a foul to be given in such conditions.
The choice highlighted the subjective nature of such calls, as many argued that Gordon’s momentum was clearly disrupted by the problem.
Why Liverpool had been awarded a penalty towards Manchester United
#LIVMUN – 67’ VAR OVERTURN
VAR really helpful an on-field overview for a doable handball by de Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural place. Upon overview, the referee overturned his unique name of no penalty.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 5, 2025
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United included a controversial penalty awarded for a handball by Matthijs de Ligt.
As Mohamed Salah tried a cross, the ball struck De Ligt’s outstretched arm, and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot after a fast VAR verify.
The choice was based mostly on the up to date handball legal guidelines, which embrace rulings on unnatural arm positions.
De Ligt’s arm was deemed to be in an unnatural place, making his physique unnaturally bigger and blocking the trajectory of the ball.
Critics argued that De Ligt had little time to react, however beneath the legal guidelines of the sport, intent is not a essential consider handball selections.
Salah transformed the penalty, deepening the frustration of United supporters, particularly as they performed so nicely.
Why Brighton had been awarded a penalty towards Arsenal
#BHAARS – 58’
The referee’s name of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was ample contact for a penalty.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
Brighton’s conflict with Arsenal noticed one other contentious penalty awarded when William Saliba was adjudged to have headbutted Joao Pedro contained in the field.
The incident occurred throughout a tussle for a free ball, with Saliba’s brow making contact with Pedro’s head.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded the penalty and after overview, the incident it was confirmed by VAR.
The important thing issue was Saliba’s movement towards Pedro, which was interpreted as harmful and reckless, regardless that the contact appeared minimal.
Critics of the choice argued that Pedro’s response exaggerated the impression, however beneath present guidelines, it’s thought-about a foul, notably as Saliba didn’t win the ball.
