Chelsea vs. Sunderland: A Chaotic Encounter
By: Andy Davies, ESPN
Date: October 27, 2025, 08:00 AM ET
Each week in the Premier League, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) stirs controversy, raising questions about decision-making processes and their accuracy. This season, we’ll delve into key incidents to analyze the VAR protocol alongside the Laws of the Game.
– VAR Review: Did Manchester United deserve a penalty against Brighton?
Andy Davies is a former Select Group referee boasting over 12 seasons in top-flight officiating, including matches in the Premier League and Championship. His experience extends into the VAR realm, providing him with unique insights into matchday procedures.
Chelsea vs. Sunderland
Referee: Andy Madley
VAR: Craig Pawson
Incident: Offside check on Sunderland’s winning goal
Time: 90+3 minutes
Incident Overview: Sunderland scored a dramatic late winner at Stamford Bridge, leading to a heated debate regarding the potential offside status of the goal.
First Half:
Referees: Simon Hooper (1st half), Tim Robinson (2nd half)
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Incident: Possible penalty for a challenge by Nathan Collins on Cody Gakpo
Time: 44 minutes
Event Summary: Gakpo, receiving a pass from Florian Wirtz inside the penalty area, maneuvered to avoid Collins’ tackle. Expecting a foul call, Gakpo fell to the ground; however, referee Hooper deemed no foul had transpired, allowing play to continue.
VAR Decision: Following a review, VAR Kavanagh confirmed that Collins’ challenge did not constitute a penalty, completing the check swiftly.
Assessment: Clear communication from referee Hooper during the VAR review played a crucial role. Positioned well, he provided essential details, affirming that although Collins did not touch the ball, the level of contact lacked sufficient grounds for a foul. The video replay supported this conclusion.
Conclusion: The on-field decision by the referee was correct, and the VAR team’s review was straightforward. In similar situations, referees must confirm a clear foul before sanctioning a penalty. Gakpo’s reaction, falling after feeling contact, reflects a common tactic to compel referees into action.
Incident: Free-kick overturned to penalty kick
Time: 56 minutes
Event Summary: A VAR intervention led to Brentford being awarded a penalty against Liverpool, determining that Virgil van Dijk had fouled Dango Ouattara just inside the penalty area. Initially, referee Robinson ruled it a free kick, believing the foul occurred outside the box.
A foul on Virgil van Dijk was initially considered outside the box, but VAR intervened to award Brentford a penalty, converted by Igor Thiago to raise the score to 3-1.
VAR Decision: After reviewing the incident from all angles, VAR Kavanagh confirmed that the foul occurred on the penalty area’s edge, warranting a penalty rather than the previously awarded free kick.
Review Conclusion: This determination was based on factual evidence, eliminating the need for an on-field referee review, and information was communicated directly to the referee.
Final Verdict: The VAR’s intervention was both positive and accurate.
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