“Was Sheffield United’s Goal Against Sunderland Rightfully Disallowed?”- Former Premier League manager gives verdict on Sheff Utd disallowed goal against Sunderland
VAR Drama as Sheffield United Goal Disallowed in Championship Play-Off Final Against Sunderland
A significant VAR delay stirred tension in the Championship play-off final between Sunderland and Sheffield United at Wembley.
Sunderland fans breathed a collective sigh of relief just before halftime when Sheffield United’s second goal was overturned.
The Blades had taken the lead around the 25-minute mark after Tyrese Campbell latched onto a clever pass from Gus Hamer and chipped the ball past Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Shortly after, Harrison Burrows appeared to double the lead with a low shot that found the back of the net through a crowded penalty area.
However, a lengthy VAR review followed, and referee Chris Kavanagh eventually ruled the goal out.
The decision was based on the positioning of Vini Souza, who was deemed to have obstructed Patterson’s view and prevented him from making a save.
Sky Sports pundit and Southampton manager Russell Martin supported the call during the halftime analysis.
“Yes, I think it was the right decision,” Martin said. “Souza clearly affects Patterson’s ability to dive by blocking his view. If the goalkeeper can’t see the ball, he can’t react. It was the correct call.”
The EFL later issued a statement confirming the reason for the disallowed goal:
“#SHUSUN – 35’ VAR OVERTURN: Burrows’ goal was initially awarded on-field.
VAR checked and determined that Vinicius Souza was in an offside position and made an obvious action that clearly impacted the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball.
The referee overturned his original decision and the goal was disallowed.”
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean also offered his take on the controversial moment during the live broadcast.
“It’s a close one,” Dean said. “The ball’s moving away from the keeper, but Souza clearly affects his line of sight. Patterson can’t dive right away because he knows a player is in front of him.
It depends on whether the VAR feels Souza’s presence interfered with the play. In my view, he did. I think that’s why the goal was ultimately disallowed.”
