ARSENAL fans hit out as Gabriel Martinelli saw his goal ruled out by VAR at Manchester United.
The Brazilian forward believed he had capped off a brilliant counter attack by slotting past David de Gea.
By his captain Martin Odegaard was adjudged to have fouled Christian Eriksen in the build up.
After a lengthy look, on-field referee Paul Tierney decided to bring the play back for a foul, disallowing Arsenal’s opener.
And it is fair to say Gooners were fuming online with the decision.
One said: “I hate this. Martinelli was cheated.”
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Another added: “VAR is a joke. An absolute joke. That’s an unbelievably soft foul to give.
“Not to mention phase of play. Two other players played the ball before the scorer. And United could simply have played defence.”
Even Manchester United legend and Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville said: “It’s soft, there’s no doubt about that.”
Former United striker Michael Owen also argued the decision was not clear and obvious so should not have been reviewed by VAR.
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Owen tweeted: This isn’t what VAR is for. It’s not there to re referee games.
“Yes, it’s probably a foul but it’s not a howler of a decision. I’m surprised that’s been ruled out. Although maybe I shouldn’t be.”
Replays did reveal contact between Odegaard and Eriksen, despite being minimal, as some argued it was still a foul.
One said: “Not a heavy foul, but it’s a clear foul. Doesn’t play the ball and goes through his back. Shouldn’t take so long.”
Another added: “Spot on by the ref! At no point does Odegaard touch the ball. Clear foul.”
United supporter and Olympic sprinting icon Usain Bolt posted: “Clear foul.”
Martinelli’s ruled out goal is the latest in a controversial weekend of VAR calls.
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David Moyes was disgusted after West Ham were denied a late equaliser after Jarrod Bowen collided with keeper Edouard Mendy.
And so too was Newcastle manager Eddie Howe for a similar decision given against them on Crystal Palace stopper Vicente Guaita.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
