MX23RW : Saturday, December 5 13:13:54| >> :60:1242:1242:

VAR talking points: Gabriel Jesus handball and penalty debate

VAR talking points: Gabriel Jesus handball and penalty debate
© Reuters
Manchester City had a goal disallowed, Aston Villa and West Brom were denied penalties and Manchester United's was re-taken.

Saturday's Premier League games featured more refereeing and rules controversies and further debate around the VAR system.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the latest incidents.

Gabriel Jesus handball v Tottenham

PA graphic
PA graphic

Tottenham claimed a memorable 2-0 victory over Manchester City but it might have been a different story had a first-half strike from Aymeric Laporte, which would have made the score 1-1, been allowed to stand. Laporte clipped home what would have been his first goal of the season but replays were examined to see if striker Gabriel Jesus had handled in the build-up. Pictures were unclear as to where exactly the ball had struck the Brazilian as he brought it under control. After checking the pitchside monitor, referee Mike Dean determined Jesus' arm had been involved and the ball had hit it low enough, under current guidelines, to be considered handball.

Aston Villa penalty overturned v Brighton

Referee Michael Oliver changed his mind over the awarding of an Aston Villa penalty against Brighton
Referee Michael Oliver changed his mind over the awarding of an Aston Villa penalty against Brighton (Tim Keeton/PA)

Aston Villa thought they had been given a lifeline in their 2-1 loss against Brighton when referee Michael Oliver awarded them an injury-time penalty for a foul on Trezeguet by Solly March. However, the official decided to reverse his decision after being advised to consult the monitor by the VAR. Replays did suggest March had got some of the ball in his challenge on Trezeguet but there did also still appear to be contact. Villa boss Dean Smith was not convinced it was a clear and obvious error. "I don't know what a penalty is now," he said.

West Brom penalty overturned v Manchester United

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic was a frustrated figure during his side's loss to Manchester United
West Brom boss Slaven Bilic was a frustrated figure during his side's loss to Manchester United (Catherine Ivill/PA)

In the first of two key incidents in West Brom's 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Baggies suffered similar frustration to Villa in having a penalty award rescinded. Referee David Coote initially gave the spot-kick after deeming Bruno Fernandes had caught Conor Gallagher but he changed his mind after watching replays, deciding the Portuguese had got some of the ball first.

Twice-taken Manchester United penalty v West Brom

Sam Johnstone saved from Bruno Fernandes' penalty but had moved off his line too soon
Sam Johnstone saved from Bruno Fernandes' penalty but had moved off his line too soon (Martin Rickett/PA)

United were also awarded a controversial penalty in the same game, although the award for handball against Darnell Furlong, despite being harsh, was consistent with similar decisions this season. The defender had been turning away to block Juan Mata's cross at point-blank range when it struck his arm. Further frustration for West Brom followed as Sam Johnstone saved Fernandes' spot-kick but a retake was ordered. The VAR had noticed the keeper had moved off his line. It was a harsh but correct call.

ID:423294:cQx

VAR - Click here for more stories

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Manchester United's Paul Pogba in action with Everton's Allan in the Premier League on November 7, 2020
Read Next:
Pogba left out of Man United squad for West Brom clash
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Premier League
Championship
Scottish Premiership
La Liga
Serie A
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
Eredivisie
Primeira Liga
League One
League Two
National League
National League North
National League South
Scottish Championship
Scottish League One
Scottish League Two
Turkish Super Lig
Belgian Pro League
Greek Superleague
Swiss Super League
Russian Premier League
Ukrainian Premier League
Danish Superliga
NIFL Premiership
Welsh Premier League
Segunda Division
Serie B
2.Bundesliga
Ligue 2
Eerste Divisie
Brasileiro
Copa Diego Maradona
Uruguayan Primera Division
J1 League
Women's Super League
Rugby Championship
Autumn Nations Cup
Gallagher Premiership
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Tottenham HotspurSpurs106312191221
2Liverpool106312217521
3Chelsea1054122101219
4Leicester CityLeicester106041914518
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham105231711617
6Southampton105231916317
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves105231111017
8Everton115151918116
9Manchester UnitedMan Utd95131616016
10Aston Villa95042013715
11Manchester CityMan City94321511415
12Leeds UnitedLeeds104241517-214
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104241215-314
14Arsenal104151012-213
15Crystal Palace104151215-313
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton102441416-210
17Burnley10226517-128
18Fulham102171119-87
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom10136718-116
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd10019416-121

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!