Premier League managers separated at full-time after heated row over VAR controversy
Brighton and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw at The Amex Stadium on Friday night, but the decision to rule out a second Saints goal sparked anger on the touchline
by Dan Marsh · The MirrorFabian Hurzeler and Russell Martin had words at the final whistle following more VAR controversy in Brighton's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The Seagulls moved up to second in the Premier League with a point after Karou Mitoma's opener was cancelled out by Flynn Downes in the second half. But the visitors were aggrieved when Cameron Archer was denied a winning goal by VAR.
Tensions ran high after the check, which took almost four and a half minutes. And the debate over the decision was still raging on post-match when Martin and Hurzeler were seen having an animated discussion.
Both men were eventually separated before things turned ugly in the wake of the decision, which split opinion on social media.
The Premier League shared a post on X explaining the decision, which read: "The referee's call of no goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Armstrong was in an offside position and deemed to be impacting [Brighton goalkeeper Bart] Verbruggen's ability to play the ball."
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Martin was asked about the incident and said: "I'm fed up talking about decisions; I dont want to be that guy.
"I respect how difficult the decision is for the referee and the assistant referee. It is really difficult, but I find it hard to accept. I think it is [clear and obvious]. I am told it effects the goalkeeper.
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"We were told it effects Bart Verbruggen ability and if Adam's run moved Verbruggen from his position then I would understand the decision, but he hasn't moved. I cannot see how it has effected the goalkeeper.
"This is the point with VAR, I would rather the guy make a mistake on the pitch and we go, "no problem". I still thinks it's a penalty [against Liverpool last weekend]. Me and Howard [Webb] will argue for ages about it and we have.
"It is still human error in my opinion. The mistake is, it's not clear and obvious enough to be corrected. The on-field decision carries weight. I am frustrated, but I am really proud of my players."
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