Why Brighton's Second Goal vs Chelsea Was Allowed in FA Cup Despite Handball Offences
Chelsea's lead didn't last long as Georginio Rutter equalised on the other end seven minutes later. Enzo Maresca's side lacked a real cutting edge upfront with Nicolas Jackson's influence greatly missed.
Kaoru Mitoma fired the Seagulls ahead in the second half after looping the ball past Robert Sanchez. The goal was however riddled with controversy as both Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey appeared to handle it in the build-up.
@Carly said,
"Have refs forgotten how to ref now there’s VAR about to bail them out? The amount of mistakes in these cup games has been quite an eye-opener!"
@AlexisKavkas said,
"Lampety & Mitoma both handballed it! This is pathetic man, you need decisions to be correct."
@Js said,
"Yes it is but I’d much rather have a decision like this given against my team every now and then than have the corruption that VAR brings."
Referee Jarred Gillet gave the goal after failing to spot the handball offences in real-time. The goal stood because there was no VAR assistance in the game.
The FA had previously announced that the VAR would be in use from the fifth round of the FA Cup this season.
"Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.” “It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds," read the FA statement.
Chelsea boss Maresca bemoaned the lack of VAR in the game
"I think the handball is quite clear. In the last two or three days there were many different moments in different games. Without VAR it's complicated."
The Blues will have a rematch against the same opposition in the Premier League next week. Their only realistic chance of silverware is the UEFA Conference League.
has also reported on why Ruben Amorim hooked off Patrick Dorgu at halftime against Leicester City.
The new Manchester United signing started his first game in England but only lasted 45 minutes against the Foxes.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
