MW4 VAR decisions explained: Why Foden saw red and Haaland's goal stood

This article collates the X posts of the Premier League Match Centre which provides explanations for decisions made by the referees and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in Premier League matches.

Matchweek 4 - Sunday

Incident - 23min Manchester City's Phil Foden's feet make contact with the stomach of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes leading to a red card.

The Premier League Match Centre post said: "The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.

"REF: 'Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno.'

"VAR: 'That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47.'

Incident - 59min Erling Haaland scores to put Man City ahead, but the assistant referee puts his flag up to indicate the Norwegian is offside.

The Premier League Match Centre post said: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

"The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball."

#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN

VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

Incident - 53min Coventry striker Taiwo Awoniyi is shown a straight red card for an elbow on Brighton’s Max De Cuyper.

The Premier League Match Centre post said: The referee’s call of red card to Awoniyi for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.

AR1: “He has caught him in the face with his elbow”.

REF: “The final decision is red card for violent conduct”.

VAR: “There’s a movement. Confirming the on-field decision of red card for violent conduct”.

Saturday

Incident - 54min Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa pulls the shirt of Sunderland's Dan Ballard inside the penalty area. Referee John Brooks awards a penalty.

The Premier League Match Centre post said: "The referee’s call of penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Konsa on Ballard was checked and confirmed by VAR."

REF: “He’s all over him at the near post facing the wrong way."

VAR: “I’m happy that it’s a holding offence. The foul is confirmed. Confirming the on-field decision of penalty."

Incident - 90+6min Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is challenged by Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava inside the penalty area. Referee John Brooks awards a penalty for a foul by Reinildo.

The Premier League Match Centre post said: The referee’s call of penalty to Arsenal and a second yellow card to [Reinildo] Mandava for the challenge on Saka was checked and confirmed by VAR.

REF: “He attempts to play the ball with his feet."

VAR: “He’s clearly in. I’m happy it’s denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity - genuine attempt for the ball. No.17 is on a yellow card. Foul and sanction is confirmed."

Incident - 34min Crystal Palace defender Axel Disasi makes a challenge on Ipswich Town's Jack Clarke, with his boot making contact high up on the shin. Referee Chris Kavanagh shows Disasi a straight red card.

The Premier League Match Centre post said: "The referee’s call of red card to Disasi for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR."

REF: “I’m going red card, the contact is high."

VAR: “For me he catches him with studs, and it’s high on the shin. Confirming the decision of red card for Crystal Palace No 5. Exactly as described on-field."