Another Premier League weekend, another serving of VAR controversy.
At this stage of the season, it's probably fair to say most people are in agreement that the use of VAR has been a bit of a shambles in English football this season.
While the merits of a video review system can certainly be argued, it is difficult to see past the number of obvious errors that have been made by the officials at Stockley Park across the league this season.
But in fairness to VAR, sometimes it can add a new element of drama to a football match that was never before possible. A perfect example of this took place at Turf Moor where Burnley were leading 1-0 against Bournemouth.
This is incredible!
Bournemouth score to level the game against Burnley but during the celebrations a penalty is given against them at the other end for a handball in their box.
Watch Final Score on BBC Red Button & online here ➡️ https://t.co/fNcgzyAg2e#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/DZAEkuojNt— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 22, 2020
In an end-to-end sequence of play, the referee waved away Burnley appeals for a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Adam Smith's shoulder in the box. Bournemouth played on and produced a sweeping counter attack that ended with Callum Wilson threading a ball through for Harry Wilson to score and make it 1-1.
As the Bournemouth celebrations were just dying down, the VAR check was announced. Moments later referee Mike Dean (who else!) in his typically understated way gave the screen signal and pointed back down towards the Bournemouth end to award a penalty to Burnley.
The Bournemouth players and supporters were left speechless as most of the home crowd could be seen laughing at their misfortune. Up stepped Jay Rodriguez to make it 2-0 and push Burnley on towards an eventual 3-0 victory.
(You can go straight to the incident when you click play below)
Was the decision harsh or fair? Much like VAR itself, it is easy to see a reasonable argument for and against in this case. The ball hits Smith right at the top of the arm / shoulder, so it is marginal. But his body shape and movements as it happened suggest he knew he was taking a chance with it.
Either way, for the neutrals, the moment you can see the Bournemouth players' hearts breaking as Mike Dean delivers his signature penalty point certainly adds a new dimension of drama that plenty of non-partisan spectators will enjoy.
