Aaron Ramsdale fumes at controversial VAR decision in angry social media post
Southampton had a goal ruled out for offside during the second half of their controversial 1-1 draw with Brighton, as VAR took four minutes and 27 seconds to confirm the on-field decision
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorSouthampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has hit out at VAR's decision to rule out a potential winner in his side's controversial 1-1 draw away to Brighton.
Ramsdale, who joined the Saints from Arsenal in a £25million transfer move this summer, missed the Premier League clash because of a finger injury. Southampton trailed 1-0 at the break thanks to Kaoru Mitoma's header but got themselves back on level terms in the 59th minute.
Flynn Downes finished off a flowing move and Russell Martin's side had the momentum. It was no surprise to see them appear to take a 2-1 lead through Cameron Archer but after VAR check which took four minutes and 27 seconds, the goal was ruled out as the officials stuck with the on-field decision of offside.
Archer's team-mate, Adam Armstrong, had made a movement towards the ball in an offside position which VAR deemed to have impacted Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Ramsdale wasn't happy and made his feelings clear mid-game with a post on X.
"You can not be serious," the 26-year-old wrote alongside a facepalm emoji.
Martin was visibly frustrated when addressing decision, telling Sky Sports post-match: "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. 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 the point for 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.
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"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."
Southampton star Tyler Dibbling, who earned the Man of the Match award, also said: "We get another goal disallowed. I feel like we have been unlucky this season. It is another point and we need to step up from there.
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