Stockport County were left frustrated after VAR denied them an equaliser during Sunday's League One play-off final against Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium.
Bolton took an early lead inside three minutes when Ruben Rodrigues capitalised on a mistake from Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai to score from close range. However, Stockport thought they had levelled in the 11th minute when Adama Sidibeh ran through and fired home, but Bolton protested that Sidibeh had tripped defender George Johnston in the build-up.
VAR, used in all EFL play-off finals since 2022, advised referee Josh Smith to review the incident. After consulting the pitchside monitor, Smith overturned his initial decision, ruling the goal out for a foul. He announced: 'After review, Stockport #29 commits a careless challenge on Bolton #6, my final decision is no goal.'
Former Stockport player Liam Hogan agreed with the decision, telling the BBC: 'It is the right decision, he has clipped his foot. It is accidental, he didn't mean it.' Despite the setback, Stockport continued to press and eventually equalised in the 29th minute when Sidibeh headed in from a cross to make it 1-1.
Stockport dominated the remainder of the first half, with Oliver Norwood controlling midfield and wingers Louie Barry and Josh Stokes causing problems. Hogan praised their response, saying: 'He has been so lively... They have been knocking on the door since the Bolton goal.'
