THE PREMIER LEAGUE have been forced to explain why VAR did not award a penalty after Fabinho’s tackle on Ivan Cavaleiro during Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
The score was 0-0 when the Brazilian went clattering into the winger in the box.
Fulham were not awarded a penalty after this tackle by Fabinho on Ivan Cavaleiro[/caption]
A corner was initially awarded after the 16th minute tackle when Cavaleiro broke into the penalty box and was shaping to cross with his right near the byline when Fabinho came sliding in.
Replays showed Reds midfielder Fabinho connecting with Cavaleiro’s foot first before the ball went out of play.
VAR official Lee Mason spent three minutes checking countless replays before he advised ref Andre Marriner to check his pitchside monitor.
This almost invariably leads to a spot-kick but Marriner was adamant he had not made a clear and obvious error and signalled for a corner.
Scott Parker was also unhappy after the match – especially as Liverpool were awarded a controversial penalty later on which Mo Salah scored to cancel out Bobby DeCordova-Reid’s opener.
But the Premier League have backed Marriner’s decision.
A statement from the PGMOL read: “In the 16th minute of Fulham vs. Liverpool, Fabinho challenged Ivan Cavaleiro for the ball in the Fulham penalty area. The on-field decision was to award a corner.
“The VAR advised the referee to review the incident at the Referee Review Area for a potential penalty.
“He stayed with the on-field decision of corner as he felt that Fabinho got the ball, and there was no evidence of a clear and obvious error.”
But Fulham boss Parker completely disagreed after the game and said: “In real time, I didn’t think it was a penalty.
“I thought it wasn’t even something that would be checked.
“What amazes me at that point is the communication has gone between VAR and the referee that it needs to be checked.
“I’ve just seen in the changing room that Fabinho has kicked Cavaleiro’s leg for the ball to go out of play.
“It amazes me – we have VAR to help referees. If we didn’t have VAR then I’d understand the penalty not being given.
“He’s then gone to the screen and still decided not to give a penalty. This for me is not one that we should discuss, this is just a clear penalty. Listen, it is what it is.”
Gary Neville hilariously trolled Jamie Carragher after the game after the former Liverpool man predicted Fulham’s certain relegation.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
