VAR Intervention Forces Palace Penalty Retake
In a dramatic turn of events during their Premier League clash on Sunday, 30 November 2025, Crystal Palace were awarded a first-half penalty against Manchester United. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta initially found the net, but the goal was immediately subject to a VAR review.
The Controversial Double Touch
The video assistant referee ruled that Mateta had made an accidental double touch on the ball. Replays showed the player scuffed his initial right-footed effort, causing the ball to deflect onto his left foot before rolling into the goal. Following a rule change earlier this year, this specific infringement now mandates intervention.
Mateta Holds His Nerve
The VAR official recommended that the spot-kick be retaken. Showing considerable composure, Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up for a second time and successfully converted the retaken penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and putting Crystal Palace into the lead.
This decisive moment proved crucial, highlighting the increasing impact of technology and recent regulatory updates on the outcome of top-flight football matches.
