The Citi Sports VAR Corner: 2023-24 Gameweek 3

Trent is adjudged to have pulled down Gordon in the next phase of play but does not receive a yellow card.

While some might see the first yellow card as “unfair” or “harsh,” especially given Gordon’s original shove on Trent (definitely a foul), the referee was within his right to give it.

The second offence would usually fetch a yellow card on its own (which would have seen Trent sent off) but referees are allowed “the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the laws.” Many referees often consider other factors like the time elapsed so far in the game, the time between the two yellow card offences and the type of fouls committed before dishing out a second yellow card.

Verdict: Referee would have been justified if he decided to send Trent off but possibly took into account how early in the game it was to send a player off for two very minor but yellow card-worthy offences.

The Incident: Virgil van Dijk is adjudged to have brought down Alexander Isak just outside the box

The referee ruled that Van Dijk was the last man – he was the closest outfield Liverpool player to the attacker, and any others would not be able to immediately impede the possible chance for the attacker – and showed him the red card

The Incident: Marcus Rashford is adjudged to have been brought down by Danilo (Man Utd 3-2 Nottingham Forest).