Should Sheffield United second goal be allowed to stand?”- Ex-PGMOL referee delivered HONEST verdict on Sheffield United Controversial as he slams VAR after Sunderland vs Sheffield United and EFL statement
Ex-Referee Weighs In on VAR Controversy in Championship Play-Off Final
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has shared his thoughts on the controversial VAR decision that impacted the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
He believes Sheffield United’s second goal against Sunderland, which was ruled out, should have stood.
The controversy arose after Harrison Burrows appeared to double the Blades’ lead with a first-half volley.
However, the goal was disallowed following a VAR review, which judged that Vinícius Souza had interfered with play from an offside position by obstructing Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson’s line of sight.
Hackett expressed his disagreement on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “This is a subjective decision.
Initially, I thought it was offside, but after reviewing the footage, I don’t believe the offside player obstructed the goalkeeper’s view. In my opinion, the goal should have stood.”
In a follow-up post, he added: “At first glance, I said offside. But upon review, I didn’t think the offside player impacted the goalkeeper.
He had a clear view of the ball and wasn’t impeded in his movement.”
In a humorous nod to his loyalties, Hackett—who supports Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United’s city rivals—added: “The keeper dived and had space.
Distraction isn’t part of the laws. The goalkeeper saw the ball. That goal should’ve stood—and remember, I support the Owls. It’s a subjective call.”
The disallowed goal proved pivotal, as Sunderland went on to win 2-1, securing promotion to the Premier League.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a decision that could have changed their fate under manager Chris Wilder.
EFL Responds to Disallowed Goal
The EFL released a statement on social media explaining the VAR decision:
“#SHUSUN – 35’ VAR OVERTURN: Burrows’ goal was initially awarded on-field.
VAR determined Vinícius Souza was in an offside position and took an obvious action that significantly affected the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball.
The referee overturned the original decision, and the goal was disallowed.”
Manager’s Perspective on the Match
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris reflected on the dramatic win:
“It was another fantastic match, like the semi-final.
Tough on the fans and coaches, but the team showed great character. Even when we weren’t in control, we stayed united and stuck to our plan. That allowed us to shift the momentum later in the game.”
He also praised defender Chris Mepham, who stepped up following an early injury to Luke:
“I was confident bringing Meps on—he’s been excellent all season.
After being left out for the semi-finals, he told me he’d stay connected with the squad, and he proved that today. We adjusted our defense to counter Kieffer Moore’s threat, and it paid off.”
