In a tense Premier League match between West Ham and Manchester United, a moment occurred in which referee David Coote awarded a penalty to West Ham after a review, overturning his initial decision not to penalize United defender Matthijs de Ligt. The decision quickly drew attention, as fans wanted clarity on what led to the dramatic reversal.

At first, Coote chose to allow the play to carry on following a challenge made by De Ligt against Danny Ings inside the penalty area. Since the contact looked minimal to the naked eye, no penalty was issued. But soon, the VAR team stepped in, suggesting a potential foul after reviewing multiple angles of the incident.

The VAR team had determined that there was a contact on the lower leg of Ings in the tackle, signaling to Coote that an on-field review was necessary. In such situations, the referee is encouraged to consult the pitch-side monitor, allowing for a closer look to make a more informed judgment. This process allowed him to reconsider what he had initially missed in real time. 

After reviewing the footage, Coote found that de Ligt’s challenge was not intentional but badly timed, and his lower leg touched Ings. It was enough to affect Ings’s balance and then to affect his forward movement so the penalty was given. A foul does not have to be forceful or violent to be a foul, by the rules.

Importance of VAR in modern soccer

This case shows how VAR has changed the game face of football officiating to ensure that referees have an additional chance to look closely at decisions. They can also stick to their original decision if they believe it’s right. However, VAR highlights even minor fouls, like a light ankle touch, can affect the game.

VAR often sparks debate. Critics say it disrupts the game and makes subjective calls. Yet, it also promotes fairness by reviewing key moments. Coote’s choice to review shifted the match. It gave West Ham a fair chance after Ings was blocked.

Thanks to the insight from VAR, Coote made the right call at the right time to remind the fans that the mistake made by the referee should be corrected with technology if possible. For West Ham, the awarded penalty was a turning point, potentially altering the course of the match. This incident serves as a testament to the value of video review in modern soccer and the precision required in conducting top-level games.