Premier League officiating has been plunged into yet another fiery debate after Newcastle United's star winger, Anthony Gordon, was dismissed following a lengthy VAR review in a tempestuous clash against Brighton.
The incident, which has divided pundits and fans alike, occurred deep into the second half with the score locked at 1-1. Gordon, already on a yellow card, lunged into a challenge on Brighton's Billy Gilmour, catching the Scottish midfielder on the ankle.
Referee Tim Robinson initially deemed the challenge worthy of only a free-kick, allowing play to continue. However, the ever-looming Video Assistant Referee, Jarred Gillett, swiftly instructed the official to pause the game and review the monitor stationed on the touchline.
The Moment of Controversy
After a tense few minutes studying the slow-motion replays, Robinson's original decision was overturned. A second yellow was produced, swiftly followed by the red, sending a furious Gordon for an early bath and leaving the Magpies to play the final stages with ten men.
The decision has been labelled as 'harsh' by many observers, arguing that while the challenge was clumsy, it lacked the malicious intent often associated with a straight red card. The use of slow-motion replay is also under scrutiny, with critics claiming it can make any challenge appear more forceful and dangerous than it was in real time.
Fallout and Fan Fury
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is expected to be seething at the decision, which potentially robbed his side of a crucial victory in their push for European qualification. The St. James' Park faithful made their feelings abundantly clear, with a chorus of boos echoing around the stadium at the final whistle.
This latest episode is certain to fuel the ongoing conversation about the consistency and application of VAR in England's top flight. With every controversial call, the pressure mounts on PGMOL, the body responsible for referees, to clarify the rules and ensure a more uniform standard of decision-making across all matches.
