VAR upheld the decision not to award Leeds a penalty after the ball hit Mateus Fernandes' arm during the Premier League clash with Tottenham at Elland Road. The incident came in the fourth minute.
How the incident unfolded
Gabriel Gudmundsson whipped a cross from the left flank towards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Tottenham midfielder Mateus Fernandes dived across with his arm fully extended. Leeds players and the Elland Road faithful appealed for a penalty after the ball appeared to bounce off either the top of Fernandes' arm or his shoulder.
VAR review
VAR reviewed the incident after the ball went out and confirmed that it hit Fernandes' arm, but referee John Brooks was not advised to award a spot kick.
The Premier League Match Centre said the referee's call of no penalty to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR, which deemed that Fernandes did not commit a handball offence.
The green zone
The Premier League Match Centre said: “Confirming the on-field decision of play on. The ball strikes the very top of the arm as he is leaning – in the green zone.”
According to Ifab's rules, the green zone covers the very top of the shoulder and the upper sleeve area, where contact is legal.
Gerrard's reaction
Steven Gerrard, part of the TNT Sports commentary team, said: “It’s extremely close. He’s got away with one, I think.”
Gerrard added: “It doesn’t look like the chest to me. If anything it hits the shoulder and the top of the arm. In slow motion it looks worse.”
