Premier League release statement on why John Stones’ goal for Man City against Wolves was given
THE Premier League have released a statement following Manchester City’s controversial winner against Wolves this afternoon.
City snatched all three points from Wolves through a last-gasp header from John Stones – with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR review.
Wolves players and fans felt that their goalkeeper Jose Sa was being impeded by Bernardo Silva at the corner kick while the City midfielder was standing in an offside position.
The officials seemed to agree and chalked the goal off on-field.
However referee Chris Kavanagh was subsequently advised to head to the monitor by VAR Stuart Attwell.
After review, Kavanagh awarded the goal and spared Man City from an embarrassing draw to rock bottom of the table.
The Wolves bench were incensed by the decision with Gary O’Neil getting booked for his protests on the sidelines.
Fans online and in the stadium were sent into meltdown.
But the Premier League have now released a statement explaining exactly why the decision was made.
Via the Premier League Match Centre X page, they wrote: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
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“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.
“The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
Bernardo seemed to be some distance away from Sa by the time Stones headed the ball goalward.
The shot-stopper had a clear view over Silva’s head thanks to the significant height different between the pair.
However, fans and even pundits seemed to think the goal should have been ruled our after seeing footage that showed Silva back into Sa during the corner routine.
Sky Sports pundit and former Man City star Micah Richards said: “The fact of the matter is he’s [Bernardo Silva] still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the play, in my opinion.”
Richards added: “It’s just that nudge that sends him off balance and Sa can’t get set. So I understand why Wolves would be aggrieved at this particular moment.”
City’s 2-1 win will have come as a huge sigh of relief with the Etihad outfit close to failing to take advantage of title rivals Arsenal‘s shortcoming yesterday.
The Gunners fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth after William Saliba was sent off in the first half.