Garth Crooks has claimed on BBC Sport that Chelsea forward Timo Werner’s goal against Southampton at Stamford Bridge at the weekend should have stood.
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward believes that Werner’s goal in the first half should have been given.
Just before half time Werner had the ball in the back of the net, but it was disallowed by VAR.
Why?
Because Cesar Azpilicueta committed a foul in the build-up to the goal.
Werner – who cost Chelsea £45 million in transfer fees in the summer of 2020, as reported by Sky Sports at the time – did score in the 84th minute, as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League.
Southampton went down to 10 men on 77 minutes due to the controversial sending-off of James Ward-Prowse.
Crooks wrote on BBC Sport: “VAR really should mind its own business. Clear and obvious mistakes we were told.
“So why disallow Timo Werner’s headed goal for Chelsea in the second phase of play which had nothing to do with the previous phase.
“I assumed the referee waved play on when Cesar Azpilicueta tackled Kyle Walker-Peters in the build up to Werner’s goal but changed his mind when VAR raised a red flag.
“It was hardly surprising the Chelsea captain and his manager Thomas Tuchel, went ballistic. “
Were Southampton wronged?
As common these days, VAR decisions were a major talking point after the match.
Southampton will feel that Ward-Prowse should not have been sent off in the second half.
The English midfielder was shown a red card for his challenge on Chelsea midfielder Jorginho in the 77th minute.
Referee Martin Atkinson gave Ward-Prowse a yellow card initially, but then upgraded it to a red after watching it on the monitor.
Southampton will feel that they could have earned at least a draw if they had 11 men on the pitch.
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