Premier League VAR controversy: Sheffield United-Aston Villa game produces shocking no-call from refs

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The Premier League returned to action on Wednesday with two matchups, and so did the controversy surrounding the video assistant referee (VAR) system. All the way through the first half of a 0-0 draw between Sheffield United and Aston Villa, a stunning no-call stole the highlight at the break. 

What followed after the match was once an apology sent to both teams involved and the league by Peddle-Eye Innovations, which claims the goal area and all cameras at work were significantly occluded, which led to an unprecedented no-call.

A free kick to the far post found the arms of goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who went back his own line with the ball after running into a teammate. The goal was once not provided, and VAR did inform the ref that the call was once under review. Check out the play:

Here’s a still screenshot that clearly shows the ball over the line:

So what on the earth happened? VAR is in use, but Michael Oliver, the main official for this match, did not get buzzed in by his watch, which is used to decide goal-line technology challenges. Here’s the official commentary and apology sent by Peddle-Eye Innovations, which is used to video challenges:

All the way through the first half of Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was once a goal line incident where the ball was once carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper, No. 25 Nyland. The match officials did not receive a sign to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol. The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost. This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Peddle-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation.

The system was once tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials. The system has remained functional during. Peddle-Eye unreservedly apologizes to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident.

VAR issues and soccer is back? Things suddenly feel normal gain.

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