VAR has once again found itself in the spotlight this season, and not for positive reasons. Two incidents in particular have drawn attention: Liverpool’s 2-1 victory against ten-man Crystal Palace and Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Ian Wright expressed frustration over the inconsistency in both games, highlighting his displeasure with the lack of a penalty awarded to Arsenal and Gabriel Jesus in the second half.
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Ian Wright on the inconsistent VAR situation
Wright noted that Liverpool, on the other hand, faced consequences for Jarell Quansah‘s challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta, a situation he deemed not too dissimilar.
In the Liverpool match, a penalty was given against the Liverpool centre-back for kicking Crystal Palace’s Mateta after VAR intervention.
However, Wright argued that there was “no difference” between this incident and the penalty shout involving Gabriel Jesus and Douglas Luiz at Villa Park.
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Ian Wright emphasized his belief that Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty, stating there was “no point in even arguing it.”
He criticized the inconsistency in the application of the laws, suggesting that officials lacked clarity.
“You see this one, with Mateta, I think that’s minimum contact as well, for me.
He has already touched it (Quansah). Exactly (no difference to Jesus’ penalty shout against Aston Villa) because they haven’t got a clue what they are doing, in respect of the law.
So, that one is a penalty and that one isn’t. No point in even arguing it.”
Said Ian Wright.
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The “clear and obvious” Era
It’s important to recognize that penalty calls in football are inherently subjective. Different referees may interpret the same foul differently, leading to varying decisions.
While calls like these are subjective, fans need to accept the nature of such decisions. The use of the “clear and obvious” standard may not always be consistent in these situations.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
