Referee Thomas Bramall ruled out Southampton's equaliser(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Premier League issue statement on latest VAR controversy in Wolves vs Southampton

by · Irish Mirror

Southampton were left furious after their equalising goal against Wolves was chalked off by VAR.

Wolves took the lead inside two minutes at Molineux when Pablo Sarabia rounded Aaron Ramsdale to make it 1-0. But Saints thought they had levelled at 1-1 shortly after when Ryan Manning slammed in.

The goal was given on-field by referee Thomas Bramall, but the VAR intervened, ordering him to watch a replay on the pitchside monitor. Bramall then deemed that Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes had fouled Wolves defender Nelson Semedo in the build-up.

The decision enraged Saints boss Russell Martin, but the decision was soon clarified by the Premier League.

The Premier League match centre tweeted: "Manning’s goal was awarded on-field. The VAR deemed that there was a foul by Fernandes on Semedo in the build-up and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a Wolves free-kick."

Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Ryan Manning has absolutely smashed that into the top corner. There was a little melee in the Wolves box, Nelson Semedo is down hoping for a free kick, but that is more in hope than expectation. The ball rolls towards Manning at the back post and he wasn't hanging around.

Ryan Manning's celebrations were cut short(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

"Mateus Fernandes does come clattering into Nelson Semedo, but neither player looked as if they were looking at the other, they just had eyes for the ball. It was a coming together, completely accidental, but Fernandes does stop Semedo getting to the ball."

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said on BBC programme Final Score: "Nelson Semendo is trying to shield it and Fernandes has come through the back of him. I can see why they've given it as a free-kick. It was quite a heavy collision. It was a foul from Fernandes. It is the right decision."

The match is of huge importance to both sides, who are languishing in the relegation zone following poor starts to the season. Wolves started the day bottom, without a win in the Premier League, while Saints have just four points following their first league victory of the campaign over Everton last weekend.

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