The Premier League has confirmed why VAR chose to award a penalty to Aston Villa in the clash with Manchester City this evening.
City had the lead thanks to Bernardo Silva's early strike but conceded a penalty ten minutes later when Ruben Dias was adjudged to have brought down Jacob Ramsey in the area. Initially, referee Craig Pawson decided not to award a spot kick.
However, VAR John Brooks chose to instruct Pawson to observe the monitor, where he decided to overrule himself. Marcus Rashford slotted away the penalty, and jeers would erupt at the Etihad Stadium as the decision was shown on the big screens.
Pep Guardiola was booked for his complaints, and the Premier League has now confirmed why the decision was given. "VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review," the Premier League Match Centre wrote.
"The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa." For City, the decision could prove to be pivotal considering how tight the battle is for the Champions League.
City and Villa are separated by just one point in the battle to finish in the top five. The Blues are currently fourth but know a win would cement their place whereas Villa will overtake Guardiola's side if they are victorious.
Unlike last season, the top five in the Premier League will qualify for the Champions League thank to English clubs' performance in Europe this campaign. The extra spot means the team that finishes sixth will qualify for the Europa League instead of the Conference League.
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