“Leicester City Request Premier League Explanation Over VAR Controversy in Draw Against Crystal Palace”
Leicester City have reportedly asked the Premier League for an explanation regarding the VAR decision that allowed Jean Philippe Mateta’s first goal for Crystal Palace in their 2-2 draw on Saturday.
Leicester faced controversy at Selhurst Park after being held from a 2-0 lead. Jamie Vardy scored in the first half, and Stephy Mavididi added to the score right after the break. However, Crystal Palace quickly narrowed the gap, with Mateta’s goal initially flagged offside by the linesman. The VAR review, however, overturned this decision, much to the surprise of many.
Frustrated and confused by the decision, Leicester are now seeking clarity from the Premier League. According to Tom Collomosse of The Daily Mail, Leicester is questioning why Mateta’s goal, which was initially ruled out, was allowed after VAR intervention. There’s uncertainty about whether the publicly available images are definitive.
It remains to be seen how the Premier League will respond. Howard Webb, head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has been working to ensure transparency, including explaining controversial decisions through the ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ program. He has previously addressed similar issues, such as when Liverpool had a goal incorrectly disallowed against Tottenham Hotspur and when Nottingham Forest was denied a penalty against Everton earlier in 2024.