Michael Oliver and David Coote accused of new VAR blunder – but little-known rule proves they got decision SPOT ON
PREMIER LEAGUE referees have come under fire once again, this time on the European stage.
Michael Oliver and David Coote have been lambasted by fans after being accused of making a huge blunder during Girona’s clash against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League tonight.
Oliver was the man in the middle for the league phase match, while Coote was acting as the VAR for the fixture.
And fans have slammed the pair for what they thought was an error in the early stages of the game.
Both Oliver and Coote appeared to miss the fact that PSV star Malik Tillman seemingly stepped onto the pitch while taking a long throw-in to set up the game’s opening goal.
The former Rangers and Bayern Munich midfielder delivered a huge throw into the box that was tucked away by Ryan Flamingo in the 16th minute.
But fans and viewers were convinced that Tillman had stepped onto the pitch with his left foot when still holding onto the ball.
On social media, one slammed: “No-one talks about referees in the Champions League until it comes to Michael Oliver and David Coote allowing a scandalous goal to count in the PSV vs Girona game.
“Speaks volumes about the standards of PGMOL really”
While another fumed: “PSV just scored a goal where their player was on the pitch when he threw the throw in in.
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“No wonder our officials get a bad rep they really are poor.”
However, a little-known rule means that Coote and Oliver actually got the decision CORRECT.
Uefa‘s ruling around throw-ins only requires a player to “have part of each foot on or behind the touchline”.
Tillman’s right boot was well behind the line, while his the heel of his left foot was still making contact with the byline – meaning his throw-in was perfectly legal.
Despite getting this decision right, Oliver and Coote were guilty of making a huge blunder in the Premier League last month.
The pair was accused of “getting Erik ten Hag sacked” after their mistake saw West Ham awarded a match-winning penalty in the Manchester United‘s 2-1 defeat to the Hammers – a match which ultimately proved to be the Dutchman’s last.
The Times have since reported that the PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb believes that the pair made the incorrect decision to award a penalty that day.
On that occasion it was Coote who was the match official at the London Stadium, while Oliver was acting as the VAR.