Southampton manager Russell Martin has described VAR as a “big problem” for the Premier League after Cameron Archer’s disallowed goal against Brighton.
During Friday’s clash at the Amex, Archer looked set to put Southampton ahead but his goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled team-mate Adam Armstrong offside.
The decision, which took more than four minutes to finalize, hinged on Armstrong’s perceived interference in the game, a point Martin strongly disputed.
Martin’s frustration was evident after the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving his side searching for their first away win in the Premier League this season.
The lengthy review process and final decision left him questioning the system.
“My problem is that the decision on the pitch carries weight,” Martin told the BBC.
“They see it and make a mistake” 🗣
Russell Martin on the VAR decision that disallowed Southampton’s second goal 👇 pic.twitter.com/iIzDc5fGez
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 29, 2024
“Whether you have VAR to fix problems or not – and when it’s a goal it’s a big problem.
“If a decision is made in the heat of the moment, you can accept it, but when you have so much time and we have to wait so long on the side of the pitch and the decision remains, in my opinion, that the goalkeeper has been affected when he is not – that is a problem .
“I understand why they would give it in the heat of the moment, but that’s what VAR is there for.”
The game saw Southampton recover well after falling behind to Kaoru Mitoma’s goal in the 29th minute.
Flynn Downs equalized in the 59th minute and Archer thought he had secured an important winner when he converted Ryan Fraser’s cross from the left.
However, VAR intervention ensured that the goal did not stand.
For Brighton, the result moved them up to second in the table.
Meanwhile, Southampton remain rooted to the bottom, having picked up just five points from 13 matches and are four points adrift of safety.
