The Premier League have clarified why John Stones’ dramatic winner in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Wolves was allowed to stand. The defender’s header was initially ruled out with the linesman deeming Bernardo Silva to be interfering with goalkeeper Jose Sa.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh was invited to watch a replay of the goal on the pitch-side monitor. His conclusion was that Silva was not in Sa’s line of vision as the ball headed towards goal.
Stones' header was therefore allowed to stand and it handed a below-par City an important triumph, particularly with Arsenal losing on Saturday. The Premier League's Match Centre, which clarifies key refereeing decisions, has explained why Kavanagh awarded a goal.
The X account wrote: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
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“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
It was a major blow for Wolves who had fought relentlessly and thought they were heading towards only their second point of the season. Gary O'Neil's side took a shock lead through Jorgen Strand Larsen in the seventh minute.
City equalised when Josko Gvardiol's brilliant strike from outside the box found the top corner on the stroke of half-time. But Pep Guardiola's side struggled to find a winner against a resolute Wolves defence.
They finally sealed all three points through Stones' header at the death, though. Wolves were left furious when Kavanagh eventually decided that the goal would stand.
It comes a day after Arsenal fans raised questions over a VAR intervention in their 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth. William Saliba had been given only a yellow card for hauling down Evanilson in the first half, with the Cherries striker seemingly about to win a race to the ball and bear down on goal.
Referee Rob Jones reviewed the footage and upgraded the decision to a red card for the Arsenal defender. However, Sky Sports' broadcast showed PGMOL chief Howard Webb with a wire around his shoulder and in his ear - with fans wondering if the former referee was able to provide input into the decision.
Express Sport understands that not to be the case. It is standard protocol for PGMOL staff and referee coaches to be able to hear the communication between officials when they are attending games. However, they are not able to communicate themselves.
