Barnsley midfielder Adam Phillips was sent off in the League One play-off final for a challenge on Sheffield Wednesday star Lee Gregory. VAR reviewed the incident and decided not to intervene, much to the surprise of supporters and Sky Sports commentators.
Despite the significance of the occasion, the play-off final looked set to play out in calmer fashion than expected at Wembley Stadium on Sunday after an evenly-contested first half of football. However, with the tie level at 0-0, the match was opened up after Phillips was given his marching orders in the 49th minute.
After a Barnsley penalty shout fell on deaf ears, Wednesday attempted to hit their opponents on the counter-attack. The ball was played long to Gregory, donning a clear mask, to hold up and allow his teammates to break forward.
The 34-year-old’s loose touch did invite a challenge from Phillips though, which referee Tim Robinson deemed to be worthy of a red card. The midfielder did appear to lunge into his tackle and his right foot did come over the ball with his studs raised – though he made very little contact with his opponent.
Instead, Phillips’ planted foot collided with Gregory – though the dangerous nature of the challenge saw the 25-year-old sent for an early bath.
The Sky Sports commentary team were somewhat stunned by the decision, with Don Goodman questioning whether the challenge warranted both a red card and also disrupting the nature of the play-off final. The commentator felt that Robinson should have been given the opportunity to review his decision by heading to the pitch-side, though VAR decided that they were happy to stand with their fellow official.
Neutrals watching the drama unfold were also bemused by the decision, questioning Robinson and also why VAR failed to intervene. One Twitter user, @jordancadden8, wrote: “And just like that, all of the season hard work undone by a shocking decision from a referee/VAR.” Another, @louorns, added: “Not a cats chance in hell is that a red card for Adam Phillips. Horrible, horrible decision.”
Jeff Stelling – who left Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday over the weekend – was also gobsmacked, tweeting: “VAR total joke again in League One play off. Clear Barnsley pen denied and moments later a red card for a challenge that is yellow at worst. Afraid to say the ref has got it wrong.”
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