Explained: The contentious call during United-Arsenal clash that has contributed to debate against VAR

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has once again come under the scanner in the Premier League following a series of contentious decision across several games, the Manchester United-Arsenal game on Sunday being the latest.

Controversy erupted during United’s home meeting with the Gunners when Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was disallowed by the VAR in the first half of the marquee clash, which United won 3-1 to bring Mikel Arteta’s side’s perfect start to an end.

The controversy

This was after Martinelli’s teammate, the Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard was found to have committed a soft foul on United’s Danish recruit Christian Eriksen by giving him a light push and causing him to both lose balance as well as possession. Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka pushed forward with the ball and setup the Martinelli goal with a fine pass.

VAR was subsequently consulted for Odegaard’s tackle on Eriksen, and the decision ultimately went in favour of the home team. As has been the case with most VAR decisions of late, it was met with an uproar, both among the away fans at Old Trafford as well as on social media.

What a load of crap. #var #MUNARS

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 4, 2022

This isn’t what VAR is for. It’s not there to re referee games. Yes, it’s probably a foul but it’s not a howler of a decision. I’m surprised that’s been ruled out. Although maybe I shouldn’t be