Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day
Gary Lineker disagreed with the VAR decision
Gary Lineker has hit out at officiating in the Premier League after being left baffled with the decision to rule out Southampton’s second goal against Brighton.
Saints drew 1-1 with Brighton on Friday night after Cameron Archer’s goal was chalked off for a contentious offside call. While Archer was onside from Ryan Fraser’s cross, his team-mate Adam Armstrong had strayed offside and was deemed to be interfering with play.
After a near five-minute VAR review, the Premier League ’s Match Centre X account explained: "The referee's call of no goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Armstrong was in an offside position and deemed to be impacting [Brighton goalkeeper Bart] Verbruggen's ability to play the ball."
The decision left Russell Martin aghast, with the Southampton manager arguing that Verbruggen was not distracted by Armstrong because the cross went behind him and the Brighton keeper wouldn’t have been able to save Archer’s effort regardless. Lineker took the same stance, but received some pushback from Dion Dublin on Match of the Day.
[
'I rejected Liverpool for Man City - Pep Guardiola wanted me to be his new Lionel Messi'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-man-city-sane-guardiola-34188444)
“I actually totally agree with what Russell Martin says there,” Lineker said. “He’s actually explained it perfectly. I don’t get this decision. Archer is onside, so therefore… it goes behind him (Armstrong), so he can’t affect the goalkeeper’s movement.”
Dublin replied: “What they’re saying is he flicks a leg out and he impacts the keeper.” Lineker shot back: “But that’s where they’re mistaken. He doesn’t impact him.”
Dublin said: “Absolutely, so it’s the way that it’s written that’s the mistake. That’s the problem.” Lineker replied: “Well, no not really because I don’t think it does impact the goalkeeper in any way, shape or form.”
Cameron Archer's goal was ruled out
Adam Armstrong was deemed to have impacted Bart Verbruggen
HAVE YOUR SAY! What's your take on the decision? Comment below.
“It has to, Gary, because the keeper’s there at the near post with the first pink shirt. If there’s no pink shirt at the near post, then he goes to the far post,” Dublin argued. Lineker stated: “No he doesn’t.”
Danny Murphy concluded: “I agree with that (Dublin’s point). He’s (Verbruggen’s) never going to get there, but I do agree that he has to wait. But the reality is that we don’t want to be seeing goals disallowed for that.”
In his post-match press conference, Martin lamented: “Does he move because of Adam Armstrong's position? No, he doesn't. He actually takes a step away to Cam Archer because he recognises that's the threat. If we are disallowing the goal because the goalkeeper is impeded by Adam Armstrong or affected, then is it an error because he hasn't moved.
“He can't get across and it goes behind Adam. That's my frustration. We spend four or five minutes waiting in the stadium when it's cold and tensions are high. Then that gets given because the on-pitch decision carries weight.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.