The Sky Sports’ Ref Watch panel is in a tizzy at the moment. They are lobbying for the application of technology of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the controversial encounter where Evanilson scored the winning goal against Arsenal. The debate centers on whether the goal should have been ruled out due to a potential handball by Evanilson during the play.
The miscommunication happened in the middle of a high-stakes, top four-battling Premier League match between two teams desperate for points. With the match tied late, Evanilson netted the vital goal that secured all three points for his side. His objective raised red flags about the purity of the officiating process. As that match progressed, fans became aware of a potential violation. Analysts uniformly claimed it deserved a look by the VAR officials.
The Ref Watch panel discussed the limited circumstances leading up to the goal. Well, they took a long hard look at the video of that play. The core question was whether Evanilson’s arm made contact with the ball prior to scoring. Proponents of disallowing the goal claim that all handballs—even unintentional ones—warrant a stoppage of play. They think it should be automatic disallowed score opportunity too.
Proponents of the goal argue that VAR officials were correct in their decision by letting the goal stand. They claim that it was an accidental handball. It occurred as part of a natural gait cycle and had no bearing on the result of the play. This point brings up larger concerns surrounding how VAR is interpreting handball infringements and the overall uniformity in its application from match to match.
Debate is certainly brewing, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage. Supporters and dopes like me are busy tweeting and posting their analysis on X/Twitter. VAR has been at the center of constant debate across football. Fans and pundits alike of course argue its effect on important fixture outcomes.
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