SHOCKING VAR DRAMA IN CHELSEA VS WEST HAM! The Premier League was FORCED to release a statement after an INSANE VAR delay over Pedro Neto’s goal!
Premier League Issues VAR Statement During Chelsea vs. West Ham After Neto’s Goal
The Premier League was compelled to release an official statement clarifying the extended VAR review that followed Pedro Neto’s equalizer against West Ham.
West Ham initially took the lead in the first half through Jarrod Bowen, but Neto, coming off the bench, reacted swiftly to a rebounded shot from Enzo Fernandez to level the score. While the goal initially appeared to be legitimate, VAR took several minutes to analyze a potential offside infringement.
Upon reviewing the footage, officials noted that Marc Guiu had attempted to make contact with a cross before it reached Marc Cucurella. If Guiu had touched the ball, Cucurella—who was in an offside position—would have been penalized. However, after a thorough check, VAR determined there was no clear evidence of Guiu making contact, meaning the goal stood.
The Premier League later released a statement addressing the delay:
“#CHEWHU – 64’ The referee’s decision to award the goal was reviewed and upheld by VAR, as there was no definitive proof that Guiu touched the ball in the build-up, meaning no offside offense was committed.”
Despite the resolution of the offside review, Gary Neville expressed concern that a potential foul by Levi Colwill on Bowen, which happened moments earlier, was not investigated. Sky Sports commentary later clarified that the incident had occurred too far back in the sequence to be reviewed.
As VAR deliberated, Neville and commentator Bill Leslie kept viewers informed about the reasons for the delay. Their exchange unfolded as follows:
Gary Neville: “He’s offside. Now we’re trying to determine if there’s any contact with the ball before it reaches Cucurella.”
Bill Leslie: “If Marc Guiu got a touch, then Cucurella is offside. The footage appears to suggest there was contact.”
Gary Neville: “It’s a slight deflection, but hard to confirm. The evidence isn’t conclusive enough to say the ball hit his head.”
Bill Leslie: “VAR needs indisputable proof. The decision must be definitive.”
Gary Neville: “I just don’t see clear evidence that he touched it.”
Bill Leslie: “VAR officials have to be certain. If he had a fresh haircut a couple of days ago, we might have known for sure!”
Gary Neville: “If they’re reviewing it this long, I think the goal is going to stand.”
Ultimately, VAR upheld the referee’s on-field decision, allowing Neto’s goal to remain valid.
