FANS were left stunned by a rare refereeing decision during Aston Villa’s win over Crystal Palace.
Referee Darren England was involved in a landmark VAR moment during the dramatic clash on Saturday.
England had pointed to the penalty spot after he deemed that Villa striker Ollie Watkins had been fouled by Chris Richards.
However, he was then called over to the pitchside monitor following a VAR check to review his decision.
Following a lengthy stoppage, though, England opted to stick with his on-field decision, much to the surprise of fans inside the stadium and at home.
England’s call marked the first time this season that a Premier League referee has gone against VAR and stuck with his decision.
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Reacting to the incident, one fan tweeted: “Darren England sent to the monitor by his VAR team and sticks with his original decision. Only Palace.”
Another added: “Finally a referee who sticks with his decision when incompetent VAR tries to overrule. Fair-play Darren England.”
A third supporter also commented: “I need to hear the 5 minute long conversation Darren England had with the VAR immediately.”
Meanwhile, one more wrote: “Can’t remember the last time a ref didn’t overturn a VAR screen review… Had to be Darren England against us didn’t it.”
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Once the penalty was finally taken, Douglas Luiz scored from 12 yards to give Villa the lead deep into stoppage time.
Leon Bailey then made it 3-1 in the 11th added minute to complete the scoring and seal a comeback win for the hosts.
Palace had been ahead as late as the 87th minute following Odsonne Edouard’s opener.
However, they were pegged back by Jhon Duran before the stoppage time drama saw Villa claim all three points.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
