Manchester United defeated Wolves 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, but the game was overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that denied Wolves a penalty.
In the 70th minute, Wolves forward Francisco Trincao was fouled by Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana in the penalty area. The referee initially awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision after ruling that Onana had made contact with the ball first.
Wolves manager Bruno Lage was furious with the decision, calling it "a blatant penalty". He also accused VAR of "destroying football".
The incident in question occurred when Trincao was running into the penalty area with the ball. Onana came out to challenge him, but he made contact with Trincao's foot before getting the ball.
The referee immediately awarded a penalty, but VAR intervened and ruled that Onana had made contact with the ball first. This decision was met with widespread disbelief, with many pundits and fans arguing that it was a clear foul.
Lage was particularly critical of the decision, saying: "It was a blatant penalty. The referee gave it and then VAR changed it. I don't understand. It's a clear penalty. It's destroying football."
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey agreed with Lage, saying: "It was a stonewall penalty. Onana comes out and clatters Trincao. It's a clear foul."
The decision had a major impact on the game, as Wolves were denied a chance to equalize. They eventually lost the game 1-0, and they will be wondering what might have been if the penalty had been given.
Conclusion:
The VAR decision in the Wolves vs. Man United game was highly controversial, and it will be debated for some time to come. It is clear that Onana made contact with Trincao's foot before getting the ball, and many people believe that it was a clear penalty. VAR has been criticized for making too many decisions in recent weeks, and this incident will only add to the calls for reform.
