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REF WATCH VERDICT: Fabio Carvalho's Controversial Goal vs Chelsea
In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, referee decisions often spark heated debates. The recent Brentford vs Chelsea match was no exception, with Fabio Carvalho's stoppage-time equaliser drawing scrutiny for a potential offside involving Dango Ouattara.
On Sky Sports' Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher and ex-striker Jay Bothroyd went head-to-head, offering contrasting views on whether the goal should have stood.
đ¨âFirst offside error by VAR in the 2025-26 Premier League season.
— FutOffsides (@FutOffsides) September 14, 2025
đ¸Ouattara, who was standing in an offside position at the moment of the touch by Ajer, attempted to play the ball, having an impact on Reece James.
đThis is an offside offence under Law 11. pic.twitter.com/a0vpam1qLe
The Controversial Incident: What Happened in Brentford vs Chelsea?
During the Brentford vs Chelsea clash, Fabio Carvalho netted a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time, salvaging a point for the Bees. However, the goal came under fire due to Dango Ouattara's positioning. Ouattara, in an offside position, appeared to reach for the ball near Chelsea's Reece James, raising questions about interference. VAR reviewed the play but allowed the goal, leading to widespread discussion among pundits and fans alike. This moment exemplifies the fine lines in offside rules that continue to divide opinions in Premier League officiating.
Dermot Gallagher's Verdict: Why the Goal Should Stand
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher defended the decision on Sky Sports Ref Watch, emphasizing that mere offside positioning isn't an offense. He argued that Ouattara neither touched the ball nor interfered with an opponent significantly enough to warrant disallowing the goal.
Gallagher stated: "I think it's a good goal. Being in an offside position isn't an offence in itself. Has he touched the ball? No. Has he interfered with an opponent? I think not.
"We've seen this happen before in the Premier League, where the VAR has to decide to send him or not and, at this point, he decides not to send him because he feels Ouattara hasn't impacted on the defender."
His analysis draws on past precedents, suggesting VAR's non-intervention was justified in this Brentford vs Chelsea offside call.
đ¨PL REF WATCH- Dermot Gallagher on Brentford's goal not being ruled out for offside:
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) September 15, 2025
"I think it's a good goal. Being in an offside position isn't an offence in itself. Has he touched the ball? No. Has he interfered with an opponent? I think not." [sky sports] pic.twitter.com/Y0sdruZFNA
Jay Bothroyd's Disagreement: Interference That Affected Play
Not everyone agreed with Gallagher's take. Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd strongly opposed the ruling, claiming Ouattara's actions clearly constituted interference. Bothroyd focused on how Ouattara's reach for the ball influenced Chelsea defender Reece James, potentially altering the play's outcome.
Bothroyd countered: "I disagree with that one. I think Ouattara has definitely interfered there. He's actually reached for the ball, the ball has bounced in between him, the other attacking player and Reece James and then gone all the way through. He reaches for the ball, which impacts James.
"You can't see any real touch from him but, ultimately, the fact he's gone for it means he's affected play. If the flick-on initially went to the goal-scorer there, he wouldn't interfere in play, but the fact it has dropped right in between the players is interference. That would bother me as a player."
Bothroyd's perspective resonates with players who feel such actions disrupt defensive focus, fueling the debate on Premier League offside rules.
Broader Implications for VAR and Offside Decisions in the Premier League
This Dermot Gallagher and Jay Bothroyd disagreement underscores the subjective nature of offside interference calls. As VAR technology evolves, incidents like Fabio Carvalho's equaliser vs Chelsea highlight the need for clearer guidelines. Fans and experts alike question whether current protocols adequately address player impact without ball contact. Such discussions on Sky Sports Ref Watch not only entertain but also push for improvements in Premier League refereeing standards.
In conclusion, while Gallagher sees no foul play, Bothroyd's player-centric view adds fuel to the fire. As the season progresses, expect more VAR controversies to keep the conversation alive.
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