VAR ROBBED US TODAY: Two clear goals that wear ruled out for offside today and the penalty not awarded – Var is always against us
Manchester United’s hopes for a comeback against Brighton were dashed when their second goal was controversially disallowed due to an offside ruling.
The Red Devils believed they had secured a 2-1 advantage in the 70th minute after Alejandro Garnacho found the back of the net, capitalizing on a cross from Bruno Fernandes. Garnacho, who had been brought on as a substitute for the second consecutive match, celebrated what seemed to be a crucial goal alongside his teammates.
However, the celebration was short-lived as it was revealed that the ball had made contact with another substitute, Joshua Zirkzee, just before crossing the line. The key issue revolved around whether Zirkzee had touched the ball before it fully crossed the line, and whether he was in an offside position when he did so.
Upon reviewing the slow-motion replays, it was determined that Zirkzee’s knee was ever so slightly ahead of the line. To compound matters, Zirkzee was also marginally ahead of Garnacho when he attempted the shot, prompting the VAR officials to rule him offside and subsequently disallow the goal.
The match official then restarted play with a free-kick for Brighton, following the VAR’s recommendation to overturn the goal due to the offside infringement.
Earlier in the match, Erik ten Hag’s men had fallen behind when former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck struck in the first half, marking his 100th career goal. United managed to level the score through Amad Diallo, who was making his first Premier League start of the season.
Despite their efforts, United faced a bitter defeat in the closing stages of the match when Joao Pedro was left unmarked in the penalty area. The Brighton forward seized the opportunity, heading the ball into the bottom left corner past United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, sealing a late victory for Brighton and leaving Manchester United empty-handed.
