The Premier League came back this weekend with full drama, big goals, and even bigger controversies. But what truly caught fans’ attention was not just the football itself, it was VAR and a secret rule that shocked supporters across England.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and even Crystal Palace were all involved in heated debates after referees and VAR made game-changing calls. While some fans applauded the decisions, others were left furious.
One particular moment at Stamford Bridge left Crystal Palace stunned and Chelsea quietly relieved. In what looked like a brilliant free-kick goal by Eberechi Eze, VAR stepped in and pulled out a law that even some players didn’t know existed.
Eze’s free-kick against Chelsea was powerful, accurate, and seemed unstoppable. The Palace fans erupted in celebration as the ball flew past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. But just seconds later, the referee stopped the party.
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VAR ruled the goal out because Palace defender Marc Guehi stood too close to Chelsea’s defensive wall. Referee Darren England explained to the crowd:
“After review, away number six [Marc Guehi] is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it’s an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal.”
The law in question, Law 13 from IFAB, says that if three or more players form a wall, the opponents must stay at least one meter away. Guehi was judged to have broken this rule.
Palace fans were furious. One tweeted:
“That Eze free-kick should never have been ruled out. I’d lose my mind if my team had a goal chopped off for that.”
Another fan added:
“Palace were robbed. That was a world-class free-kick and it should have stood.”
Despite the anger, experts said VAR was correct according to the rulebook. Still, the match ended 0-0, leaving both sides frustrated.
Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth also sparked drama. Early in the game, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi appeared to handle the ball after mis-controlling it. If not for the handball, Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike could have been through on goal.
Fans exploded online:
“PGMOL is a laughing stock. Clear handball, clear red card. VAR bottled it.”
But the Premier League’s Match Centre explained that it wasn’t considered a “denial of a goal-scoring opportunity” because it happened far from the goal.
Later in the match, Bournemouth fans screamed for a penalty when Alexis Mac Allister collided with Alex Scott in the box. Ex-referee Keith Hackett said:
“That was a careless challenge. Bournemouth should have had a penalty.”
But again, nothing was given. Liverpool went on to win 4-2, but VAR was the main talking point after the game.
In Aston Villa’s draw against Newcastle, VAR did step in and confirm a huge call. Ezri Konsa was sent off after pulling back Anthony Gordon, who was racing through on goal.
The Match Centre confirmed:
“The referee’s call of red card to Konsa for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity was checked and confirmed.”
Unlike the other games, most fans agreed this time that the referee got it right. Newcastle, however, couldn’t take advantage of the extra man, and the game ended 0-0.
The biggest controversy came at Old Trafford, where Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0. In the final moments, United midfielder Matheus Cunha was brought down by William Saliba. Replays showed Saliba’s leg making contact, but VAR said it wasn’t enough for a penalty.
Former striker Jay Bothroyd disagreed:
“Saliba went through the back of him. That should be a penalty.”
But ex-referee Dermot Gallagher sided with VAR, saying it wasn’t a “clear and obvious” error. United fans left the stadium furious, feeling robbed of a chance to equalize.
The opening weekend of the Premier League showed one thing clearly: VAR is here to stay, but fans will never stop debating it. From Chelsea’s little-known “wall law” escape to United’s penalty denial, every match sparked massive online discussions.
Some fans are calling for changes. One wrote:
“VAR is killing the joy of football. We celebrate, then wait nervously. It’s not the same game anymore.”
Others argue VAR makes the game fairer, as rules are applied more strictly. Yet, the weekend proved that even with technology, football’s drama and debates will never go away.
And as the season continues, one question remains: will VAR end up deciding the Premier League title?
