Following a tumultuous weekend of refereeing and VAR occurrences, the Premier League issued a statement asking for a review from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited. The PGMOL acknowledged that VAR was to blame for two instances on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, the organization in charge of elite referees stated that Howard Webb, the PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, had contacted the clubs concerned about the mistakes.
Premier League demands VAR referees for Everton and Liverpool
The VAR for Crystal Palace vs. Brighton, John Brooks, disallowed a goal by Pervis Estupián because the offside lines were drawn incorrectly. In contrast, Lee Mason, the VAR for Arsenal vs. Brentford, did not draw the offside lines to check Christian Norgaard’s position before he crossed for Ivan Toney to score in the 74th minute.
Chelsea was denied a late penalty against West Ham United earlier in the day. Despite Tomas Soucek seeming to block Conor Gallagher’s strike with his arm. The incident was investigated, but no action was taken.
Brooks will no longer serve as VAR for that night’s Merseyside derby or Wednesday’s top-of-the-table showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City, it was revealed on Monday. Brooks was replaced in the game at Anfield by Andre Marriner.
Mason has been relieved of VAR duties for this weekend’s games, but Brooks returns to action, albeit away from Stockley Park, as the fourth official for Aston Villa vs. Arsenal on Saturday.
The Premier League has issued a statement criticizing the officiating and demanding The PGMOL investigate and explain several situations.
“The Premier League sets high standards and is disappointed that PGMOL fell below those expectations last weekend,” the statement said.
