Southampton found themselves on the receiving end of controversial decisions in their clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend. Dermot Gallagher, a former Premier League referee, weighed in on the incidents, supporting the decision to disallow the Saints’ equalizing goal.
During the first half, Ryan Manning netted a goal that Russell Martin’s team hoped would level the score. However, the goal was ruled out after VAR intervention, citing a foul by Mateus Fernandes in the build-up. Wolves managed to net their second goal later in the game, with debates arising over a potential foul by Craig Dawson on Cameron Archer. Expressing his disagreement with the decision to overturn Manning’s goal, Southampton manager Martin remarked…
“The decision is a difficult one. I overheard Gary O’Neil’s comment that it was an obvious foul, but personally, I see it differently. It’s a matter of interpretation. From my perspective, the ball was on the other side of Semedo, and he moved his leg away from the ball.”
Reflecting on the incidents at Molineux, former Premier League referee Gallagher shared his perspective on Manning’s disallowed goal, stating…
“I believed it was a foul at the time, and I expected the referee to make that call as he had the clearest view. VAR prompted him to review the incident.”
Speaking live on Sky Sports, Gallagher reiterated his stance, describing it as a clear and obvious error when questioned…
“I maintained that it was a foul. I immediately saw it as a foul. While there are differing opinions on the matter, I stand by my view. It’s a dilemma for me. Yes, I do believe it was clear and obvious because my initial belief was that it was a foul.”