And so the VAR debate rages on, with rage now being the apposite word. After the widely praised decision on Tuesday night to overturn a close on-field offside call and allow Leicester’s second goal against Fleetwood Town – “VAR at its best,” trilled Michael Owen – came a contrasting experience during the FA Cup replay between Chelsea and Norwich on Wednesday. On this occasion Willian fell over Timm Klose’s outstretched leg inside the penalty area shortly after the start of extra time, and instead of pointing to the spot the referee booked the Brazilian and gave the visitors a free-kick. When the VAR failed to overturn the decision Alan Shearer, part of the BBC’s panel of pundits, was apoplectic.
“I was very doubtful about it and now it’s a shambles,” he raged. “We all think it’s a clear and obvious penalty. That’s why it’s all wrong, because it’s someone else’s opinion and that’s why it’s a shambles.”
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