Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, faced a setback when their first-choice goalkeeper, Ederson, sustained an injury early in the match against Newcastle United. However, frustration among City fans ensued as the Brazilian’s injury unfolded in the context of a delayed offside flag due to the implementation of VAR.
The injury occurred during a collision between Ederson and Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, resulting in the ball finding the back of the net. While VAR intervened and ruled out the goal,
Ederson had to exit the game, making way for Stefan Ortega. City supporters took to social media to express their discontent, particularly focusing on the assistant referee’s failure to raise the flag promptly in accordance with the offside rule impacted by VAR.
Fans expressed their frustration on social media platforms, with one labeling the offside procedure as an “absolute joke.” The sentiment echoed widespread dissatisfaction with the current rule, emphasizing the perceived flaws in playing on when a player is clearly in an offside position.
Journalist Simon Hattenstone joined the critique, describing it as the “stupidest rule change in football” and highlighting the adverse impact on City, having lost both Ederson and John Stones to injuries sustained in similar circumstances.
Ederson’s injury, occurring shortly after Stones’ previous incident, raised concerns about the collective decision within football to delay linesmen from raising their flags immediately.
The sentiment among fans and commentators was that the approach of playing on when a player is offside poses unnecessary risks, as demonstrated by the injuries to key players like Ederson and Stones.
The injury woes have prompted discussions about the overall impact of these rule changes and their potential consequences on player safety.
The frustration voiced by fans and analysts reflects a broader debate within the football community regarding the balance between implementing VAR for accurate decision-making and ensuring the well-being of players on the field.
As City navigates these challenges, there is hope that Ederson’s injury is not severe, with the club aiming for his availability in the upcoming FA Cup clash against Tottenham on January 26. The incident has once again brought attention to the evolving dynamics of VAR and its implications for the flow and safety of the game.
