Leicester City take action after Crystal Palace VAR controversy.
VAR played a critical part in Leicester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday – now they ask the Premier League for answers.
Leicester City have reportedly sought clarification from the Premier League over VAR’s intervention to allow Jean Philippe Mateta’s first goal for Crystal Palace in Saturday’s 2-2 draw.
The Foxes felt the brunt of controversy at Selhurst Park as they were pegged back from two goals in front. Jamie Vardy had found the net in the first half before Stephy Mavididi arrived promptly after the break to double that lead.
But immediately Palace raced to the opposite end and reduced that margin, at least with the help of the video assistant referee [VAR] Andy Madley. Mateta had tapped in from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross with the linesman ruling offside, but the situation was reviewed with lines drawn on and the goal stood to the surprise of many.
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With Steve Cooper denied his first league win at the club, City were left confused and frustrated with the decision. Now, according to The Daily Mail’s Tom Collomosse, they are wanting answers from those in power.
“Leicester have sought clarification from the Premier League on why Mateta’s first goal for Crystal Palace – initially ruled out for offside – was overturned by VAR,” he wrote on X. “Fair to say there’s uncertainty over whether images in public domain are conclusive.”
He provided a later update also to clarify that the club are wanting to make certain that the offside decision was made at the exact moment the ball was released by Mitchell. Whether they get the response they hope for, and in what form, remains unknown.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL] chief Howard Webb has strived to operate with transparency since being appointed to the position, with the introduction of the ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ programme, during which he personally explains contentious refereeing decisions on a monthly basis.
He has also responded to requests from clubs such as this new reported instance involving Leicester. Prime examples would be when Liverpool were found to have had a goal wrongfully disallowed by VAR for offside when losing at Tottenham Hotspur one year ago, or earlier in 2024 when the Independent Key Match Incidents Panel found one VAR error that prevented Nottingham Forest from winning a penalty during a defeat to Everton.
