The Premier League has issued an explanation after VAR ruled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal for Leeds United against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Leeds striker thought he had given Daniel Farke’s side the lead in the 19th minute, finishing an attacking move to put the visitors ahead. However, celebrations were cut short when VAR reviewed the incident and recommended that the referee disallow the goal because of a handball in the build-up.
The decision came at a frustrating moment for Leeds, who went into the break trailing 1-0 after Bournemouth took the lead. The Premier League has now clarified exactly why Calvert-Lewin’s effort did not stand.
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Premier League explain Calvert-Lewin handball decision
Posting on X, the Premier League confirmed that VAR had checked the referee’s original decision to award the goal before identifying an infringement by the Leeds forward.
The statement read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal to Leeds United – and determined that Calvert-Lewin handled the ball immediately before scoring and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
The VAR team also made its explanation public.
“The ball accidentally comes off Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s left arm before going directly into the goal”.
The referee then communicated the final decision following the review.
“After review, the ball strikes the arm of Leeds No.9 – the final decision is a free-kick.”
Although the Premier League acknowledged that the contact was accidental, the goal could not stand because the ball had come off Calvert-Lewin’s arm before going directly into the net.
Leeds face second-half fight after VAR disappointment
The decision was a major setback for Farke’s side, who had a chance to take the lead away from home before Bournemouth went on to establish their advantage.
Calvert-Lewin will have been particularly disappointed after finding the net, only to see his effort chalked off following the intervention.
The Premier League’s explanation has clarified the reasoning behind the call, but it will offer little comfort to Leeds, who thought they had an early lead against one of the in-form teams.
Silly rule, accidental handball is not a foul and the goal should have stood, these petty rules and actions of the players have spoilt the game.
If the goal is disallowed in this case for accidental handball, surely the decision should have been a penalty as the gk brought DCL down in the area, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity?
Before the goal.