The referee initially waved off the shouts for a spot-kick despite Oliver having a perfect view of the foul. He gestured for play to carry on.
However, VAR decided to review the potential penalty, and Oliver went to the pitch-side monitor to make a decision. After a brief review, he pointed to the spot, and Son Heung-min converted the penalty, reducing the deficit to one goal.
Although Arsenal secured a crucial 3-2 win, fans on social media criticized Oliver for missing the obvious penalty. One user wrote: “Shouldn’t need VAR to see what was a stonewall penalty!”
Another joked: “VAR works then!!”. A third criticized Oliver’s professionalism, stating: “That Rice tackle happened right in front of Oliver.
He waved play on, and when VAR intervened, he had to go look at the pitch monitor. These guys are so unprofessional”.
A fifth user complimented VAR, saying: “That is where VAR works perfectly and is why it can’t be got rid of.” The next Arsenal match is against AFC Bournemouth next Saturday.
