Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Ex-EPL Referee Speaks On VAR Decisions

Former English Premier League referee, Mark Clattenburg, has expressed amazement over the decisions of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Naija News reports that Arsenal had scored two early goals through Sokratis and David Luiz.

However, referee Martin Atkinson awarded Palace a penalty, after initially showing Wilfred Zaha a yellow card for a dive.

Atkinson also ruled out  – after consulting with the VAR – what was suppose to be Sokratis second goal for a foul committed by Calum Chambers in the build-up to the goal.

Speaking to Daily Mail on the VAR decision, Clattenburg said: “VAR left me puzzled at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. I’m still lost as to why they got involved to award Crystal Palace a penalty against Arsenal when, in my opinion, Wilfried Zaha clearly dived.

“Referee Martin Atkinson was right to book the Palace man for simulation. He was in a perfect position to make the call, too. Calum Chambers’ leg was planted and Zaha threw himself to the ground. Atkinson spotted his ploy and produced a yellow card.

“Then VAR got involved. They told their man on the ground to overturn his original decision and award a spot-kick instead. It was a gift for Palace.

“Then in the last 10 minutes, Sokratis scored to make it 3-2, only for VAR to chalk it off. Meanwhile, those at home and inside the stadium were left trying to work out why.

“Australian Jarred Gillett was the video official at Stockley Park and I would love to have heard his reasoning.”