A controversial penalty decision involving Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Aston Villa's Ashley Young was overturned following a detailed review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during a recent Premier League match. The incident, which took place in the United box, initially saw the referee penalize Maguire for allegedly pulling Young, but upon further examination, the VAR found no foul play by the United defender.
The incident began when Young theatrically fell under pressure from both De Ligt and Maguire as he attempted to latch onto a loose ball. The referee, observing the situation in real-time, pointed to the spot, believing Maguire had pulled Young with his left hand. However, the VAR, tasked with reviewing the decision, did not see any evidence of a foul by Maguire.
"The referee clearly penalised Maguire in this situation. He believed Maguire pulled Young with his left hand and he describes that. The VAR knows that and it will be the starting point of the check." – Howard Webb
Detailed Examination of the Incident
The VAR closely analyzed the footage to determine the actions of both De Ligt and Maguire in the altercation. Initial replays showed De Ligt pulling Young's shirt, but the angles available did not provide a clear view of Maguire's actions. The VAR team needed a different angle to assess whether Maguire's left hand contributed to Young's fall.
"When the VAR looks at it, Maguire doesn't do what the referee perceives him to have done in real-time. He sees a touch, but not a pull by Maguire. There's no lower-body contact either. Young steps over Maguire's leg and then spreads his leg and goes to the ground." – Howard Webb
As the review progressed, the AVAR questioned whether De Ligt's actions could be considered an offense. However, the VAR determined that while there was contact, it wasn't sufficient to meet the threshold for a penalty.
Referee's Decision Overturned
The VAR's analysis concluded that Maguire's involvement did not constitute a foul. The referee was advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. Upon reassessment, he agreed with the VAR's findings and overturned his initial decision to award a penalty.
"We don't think this meets the threshold of a penalty in its own right. That was the view of the referee at the screen and was momentarily shown the angle from behind the goal." – Howard Webb
Howard Webb, reflecting on the judgment process, acknowledged that while the referee initially perceived an infringement by Maguire, the comprehensive review provided clarity.
"I'm pretty sure he would have come to the same decision anyway, but people can see he's seen the full information." – Howard Webb
Implications of VAR Decisions
The use of VAR continues to play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and accuracy in football matches. This incident highlights its importance in providing referees with additional perspectives to make informed decisions. While some may argue about its impact on the flow of the game, cases like these affirm its value in maintaining integrity in competitive sports.
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