History was made during Sheffield United’s 2-1 win over Norwich City when a red card shown to Chris Basham was overturned by VAR.
Basham was shown a straight red by referee Simon Hooper for a lunge on Kenny McLean. Yet the controversial system determined the 31-year-old should not have been sent off and was instead given a yellow card.
The decision did come after the Blades came from behind to take the lead at Carrow Road through Enda Stevens and George Baldock goals.
But it certainly made an impact on the game. And Norwich manager Daniel Farke clearly isn’t sure it was the correct call.
“It’s not my topic. I learn during the season that all VAR decisions are against us and I can’t do anything,” Farke told BBC Sport.
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“I didn’t watch the scene back. It’s the first time this season that a red card given by the referee is overturned.
“If it was a clear and obvious mistake and 100 percent not a red card then I accept this. But I was just not sure it was a clear and obvious mistake.”
Basham red card the latest VAR controversy for Blades
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
This isn’t the first time this season Chris Wilder’s side have been involved in a controversial VAR decision.
In midweek, Newcastle United’s second in a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane riled Wilder. Jonjo Shelvey was flagged offside, but while the home defenders and goalkeeper Dean Henderson stopped, he continued playing and rolled the ball into the net.
After checking the offside decision, it was determined Shelvey was in fact onside and the goal stood.
Before that, David McGoldrick had a goal ruled out at Tottenham Hotspur as John Lundstram was given offside during the buildup. Upon further inspection under scrutiny, it appeared perhaps only Lundstram’s toe was offside. It is difficult to argue it was clear and obvious.
