Despite one VAR decision going their way yesterday, it appears that Newcastle United got away with one major call at Craven Cottage.
The Magpies felt that Trevor Chalobah’s challenge on Sean Longstaff was hard and over the top, something that VAR agreed with as the referee ended up upgrading the yellow card to a red and sent the midfielder on his way.
Newcastle duly capitalised on the decision and ended up winning 4-1, their first victory since the opening day of the season, although their momentum may have been thwarted has VAR stepped in to look at the build-up to their first goal.
Prior to Callum Wilson finding the back of the net, it appeared that Sven Botman clattered into the back of Aleksander Mitrovic, something that went ignored by both the on-pitch referee and VAR.
Was this a foul from Botman?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on this decision…
Considering VAR got involved just moments earlier to hand Chalobah his marching orders it is a surprise that they appeared to overlook this incident between Mitrovic and Botman, especially given how long of a delay there was after the goal.
It appeared that VAR were more interested in a potential offside from Joe Willock or Callum Wilson in the build-up to the goal instead of this, potentially obvious foul from Newcastle’s summer signing.
While Newcastle did indeed dominate throughout boasting 69% possession and took 19 shots with 10 of them being on target had their first goal been ruled out, it may well have given Fulham some extra needed energy and resilience.
I think this article is commonly known as “clutching at straws” a load of rubbish.