Nicolas Jackson Sent Off — Why Tyrone Mings Wasn’t
Nicolas Jackson saw red in Chelsea’s match against Newcastle for leading with his elbow into Sven Botman’s face. Initially shown a yellow, VAR upgraded it to a red for serious foul play — citing deliberate endangerment. The key factor: time and intent. Jackson chose to run in elbow-first.
In contrast, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings avoided a red for similar contact on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Mings’ action was ruled a natural shield — not aggressive or deliberate. VAR saw no forceful intent.
Handball Controversy: Mykolenko Gets Let Off
Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko blocked an Adama Traoré cross with an outstretched arm. Though high before contact, it was close to his body when struck — deemed a natural position. In UEFA competition, this might’ve been a penalty. In the Premier League, the strict standard meant no call.
Brentford’s Set-Piece Tangle: No Penalty on Van den Berg
Jacob Greaves hauled down Sepp van den Berg during a Brentford corner, but VAR didn’t intervene. Why? The ball wasn’t in play. While Greaves could’ve been cautioned, no penalty could be awarded.
Tuanzebe-Collins Clash Ignored
Brentford’s Nathan Collins was held, pulled down by Ipswich’s Axel Tuanzebe in a second movement after an initial tussle. VAR typically avoids punishing mutual holding — but once Collins broke free, the takedown should’ve triggered a penalty. A missed opportunity for correction.
Welbeck Goal Disallowed: Minteh Offside Interference
Brighton’s Danny Welbeck thought he had scored, but the goal was disallowed. Why? Teammate Yankuba Minteh, though not touching the ball, made a play and interfered with goalkeeper José Sá. The call: correct. But semi-automated offside graphics drew criticism once more for lack of visual clarity.
DOGSO or Not? Cunha’s Yellow Under Scrutiny
Matheus Cunha brought down Brighton’s Mats Wieffer as he surged through on goal. A penalty was awarded — but only a yellow card. Why no red for denying a goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO)? Because Cunha was making a legitimate play on the ball, modern interpretations protect players in these situations.
Liverpool’s Late Winner Denied: Konaté’s Foul
Andrew Robertson’s potential winner against Arsenal was disallowed after VAR spotted Ibrahima Konaté’s hand in Myles Lewis-Skelly’s face. The ref let play continue until the goal, giving VAR a chance to assess. Result: foul upheld, goal ruled out.
Forest Fans Cry Foul — But Thomas’s Throw Was Legal
Leicester’s Luke Thomas was accused of a foul throw during a goal-scoring move. Fans claimed he stepped on the pitch. But by law, the throw is legal as long as any part of the foot touches the line — and that’s what happened. VAR doesn’t intervene on restarts, so the goal stood.
Conclusion: Interpretation, Not Inconsistency
This week’s VAR calls highlight the complexity of officiating — from elbows and handballs to offside and restarts. What appears inconsistent is often rooted in subtle distinctions: force, intent, positioning, and timing. Until communication improves, frustration will remain — even when the decisions follow the rules.
