The London derby was the highlight of English football this weekend, with Cristian Romero receiving unwanted attention for his role in Arsenal’s goals at the Emirates. The match was keenly contested, and fans of both clubs would have been happy to see their spoils shared in matchday six of the English Premier League.
While the game kept fans on the edge of their seats for 90 minutes, it was the referee who stole the show yet again in another inconsistent performance as fans and coaches continue to call for clarity on the laws of the game, especially with the use of VAR.
Spurs boss Postecoglou fumes over Romero handball decision
Cristian Romero won’t be watching the replays of yesterday’s match against Arsenal for the part he played in Arsenal’s goals in the 2-2 draw at the Emirates. The World Cup winner scored an own goal to give Arsenal the lead in the 26th minute, and although Son equalized just before half-time, Cristian Romero was involved in another incident as he conceded the penalty that led to Bukayo Saka’s goal to give Arsenal the lead in the 54th minute.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou heavily criticized the penalty incident involving Cristian Romero, calling out the inconsistencies in Premer League refereeing and how much they may affect the game’s outcome. “I couldn’t see it, but I’ve got no idea about the handball rule,” Postecoglou said on the incident in his post-match interview.
“I saw the one at Wolves, and it just seems if it hits your hand, it’s a penalty, and then other times if it hits your hand, it’s isn’t a penalty. I’ve got no idea. It is the one rule in the game I just don’t understand. Unless we start developing armless defenders, I don’t know how you are supposed to blog things and be in a natural position,” the Spurs manager concluded.
Inconsistent refereeing in PL draws waves of criticism from fans
The level of inconsistency in refereeing in the Premier League has been a hot topic of debate for the past few years. Since the introduction of VAR in the Premier League, the technology has been in the middle of many controversies, with many claiming decisions made by the technology have cost their teams vital points.
Tottenham were involved in another round of refereeing controversy after the referee penalised Cristian Romero’s handball despite replays showing it was not intentional. A similar incident happened in Tottenham’s game against Manchester United when a ball played by Alejandro Garnacho was handled by a Spurs defender in the penalty area, and the VAR failed to even look at it.
The inconsistencies have caused an uproar from fans and managers, which the Premier League should consider and carefully adjust.
Will there be more VAR controversies in the upcoming games in the Premier League? Tell us what you think in the comments.
