Aubameyang and Robertson challenges were very different – and both decisions were correct

VAR hit the headlines again on another incident-packed Premier League weekend.

West Ham’s Declan Rice claimed “every player” in the top flight wants the new technology to be scrapped.

VAR was again a massive talking point in the Premier League over the weekend, including at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Empics Sport

VAR got many decisions right but questions remain over whether the joy of football and celebrating a goal is being killed.

As the debate continues to rumble on, SunSport’s refereeing expert MARK HALSEY assesses all the major talking points.

AUBA CHALLENGE WORSE THAN ANDY’S

I FELT there was a big difference in the severity of the challenges by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Andy Robertson.

Arsenal striker Aubameyang clearly endangered the safety of Crystal Palace’s Max Meyer and could have caused a serious injury, so a red card was spot-on.

But Liverpool left-back Robertson was more reckless than anything else when he slid in on Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga.

It was a 50-50 challenge after the Scot miscontrolled and then touched the ball before colliding with Tanganga. The contact — with the side of his boot rather than his studs — was minimal.

VAR got the call correct because it was not a red card challenge, so Robertson went unpunished.

The same man — Craig Pawson — was the VAR for Saturday’s early and late games.

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was rightly dismissed for this dangerous tackle on Crystal Palace’s Max Meyer

VAR was correct to rule Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson did not deserve a red card for this challenge on Japhet Tanganga

SYSTEM SPOT-ON FOR LOWTON FOUL

WILLIAN was clever and initiated the contact from Matt Lowton to win a penalty for Chelsea’s opener in the 3-0 win against Burnley.

But you can’t blame ref Kevin Friend for pointing to the spot because of Lowton’s actions.

When you go to ground like he did, you run the risk of conceding a penalty. The challenge was checked by VAR and it was never going to get overturned.

Chelsea midfielder Willian was wily to draw contact from Matt Lowton and as a result win a penalty

THEO TOO HONEST FOR PENALTY SHOUT

OFFICIALS at Everton missed a chance to give the Toffees a penalty — even though Theo Walcott did not go to ground.

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk’s pull-back put the forward out of his stride.

Walcott was honest but he didn’t receive any reward.

I wouldn’t play advantage for a penalty shout unless the attacker had an open goal.

Everton flier Theo Walcott was unlucky not to win a penalty after he did well to stay on his feet following this Lewis Dunk challenge

HANDBALL LAW’S A BAD JOKE FOR RICE

AS the law stands, VAR was right to rule out West Ham’s equaliser against Sheffield United.

But the law is currently an absolute joke.

There was no chance ref Michael Oliver could see Declan Rice handle the ball in the build-up to Robert Snodgrass’ goal.

The law was changed to ensure major incidents would not be missed but Rice knew nothing about the ball hitting his arm.

West Ham star Declan Rice was a victim of the farcical handball rule

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk