Mark Clattenburg believes VAR made a critical error during the Aston Villa vs Fulham match. The former Premier League referee has highlighted a decision he feels went against Fulham. This controversial moment occurred during their recent Premier League clash. The match, already filled with talking points, saw Aston Villa secure a win.
Matty Cash handball incident sparks debate
The game could have shifted in Fulham’s favor if certain first-half decisions had gone their way. Josh King, Fulham’s attacker, surged into the Aston Villa area and fired a shot. Matty Cash appeared to block the shot with his arm. However, both the referee and VAR dismissed the penalty appeals.
Mark Clattenburg has weighed in on the incident. He stated, “Anywhere else in the world, a penalty would have been given against Matty Cash after Josh King’s shot towards goal.
“Only Premier League referees do not penalise handball when a defender stops the ball going towards goal after a shot.
“Matty Cash turns away but still stops the ball with his back arm, which is away from the body. I would prefer this to be given as a penalty.”
The VAR deemed that Matty Cash’s action was not a handball offense, because his arm was in a justifiable position. A penalty could have put Fulham ahead 2-0, changing the game’s trajectory. This incident has been overshadowed by another controversial call in the same match.
Emiliano Martinez challenge on Josh King divides opinion
The other debated incident involved Emiliano Martinez’s challenge on Josh King. Jamie Redknapp believed that Emiliano Martinez fouled Josh King, warranting a penalty. He argued that the goalkeeper took Josh King out, making it a clear penalty.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: “This is a penalty. Watch, he takes him out here, the ‘keeper.
“Watch his right foot. Josh King has nowhere to go, knocking it one way, going around him the other. Now watch Martinez’s right foot – sends it past him, look, he’s cleaned him out. Look! What’s he meant to do?”
However, Mark Clattenburg disagreed with this assessment. He supports Andy Madley’s decision to book Joshua King for simulation. Clattenburg felt that Josh King was already going down before Emiliano Martinez made contact. He believes that the forward was attempting to win a penalty with an unnatural fall.
“At the time, and even after watching replays, I agree with Andy Madley’s decision to award a yellow card to Fulham’s Joshua King for simulation.
“Emiliano Martinez goes to ground before King pushes the ball past and then sees Martinez’s leg before going over it. Before the contact on the leg, the forward is already going down, looking to win a penalty with a fall that does not look natural. We criticise referees, but this time Madley got it right.”
Premier League refereeing under scrutiny
Premier League refereeing standards have faced criticism this season. Fulham may feel aggrieved by the Emiliano Martinez decision, despite Clattenburg’s defense of the referee. These controversial calls continue to fuel debates among pundits and fans alike.
Ultimately, the Aston Villa versus Fulham match has intensified the focus on VAR and refereeing consistency. While Aston Villa secured the victory, the controversial decisions will continue to be dissected. The spotlight remains on the Premier League officials and their impact on game outcomes.
