Anton Stach’s free-kick towards the far post was headed in by Joe Rodon after escaping his marker at the far post.

Sunderland given immediate VAR response against Leeds United after controversial call
The Black Cats were on the right side of two huge VAR calls at Elland Road

Sunderland benefited from the intervention of VAR twice in quick succession in their Premier League clash against Leeds United

Regis Le Bris’ side turned in a resolute first half performance against the Whites, but it was Daniel Farke’s side who had the ball in the net midway through the second half.

Anton Stach’s free-kick towards the far post was headed in by Joe Rodon after escaping his marker at the far post. His header cannoned off the crossbar and into the back of an open net, with Melker Ellborg flapping at the cross into the box.

The Welsh defender wheeled away to celebrate, but Sunderland players rushed to surround referee Stuart Attwell, appealing for offside. VAR took a look at the goal and ruled it out for offside.

The Premier League Match Centre posted: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Rodon was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

Just three minutes later, the Black Cats were left appealing another refereeing decision after Wilson Isidor’s scuffed shot appeared to hit Ethan Ampadu’s arm inside the area.

The referee allowed play to continue before being sent to the monitor to take a look at the decision.

Attwell then overturned the decision and announced to the crowd “After review, Leeds 4 deliberately handles the ball in the penalty area. My final decision is penalty kick.”

Habib Diarra stepped up to take the spot kick and converted from 12-yards out, despite Karl Darlow getting a strong hand to the shot, it wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net.

The decision left Leeds United fans furious inside the ground, but the travelling red and white army celebrated wildly in their search for their first win in five games.

Whites’ fans were further aggrieved by the lack of VAR in the first-half with Luke O’Nien spotted grappling with Whites’ defender Pascal Struijk at a corner.

The Sunderland defender hauled Struijk to the floor inside the Black Cats’ 18-yard-box, but nothing was given. Le Bris’ side would see out the game and pick up a huge three points on the road.

Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road was marked by controversy, with VAR playing a crucial role in the outcome. The match saw two major incidents where VAR was involved, both of which went against Leeds United.

*The Controversial Penalty*

In the 70th minute, Sunderland was awarded a penalty after Ethan Ampadu was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box. The VAR team, led by Stuart Attwell, reviewed the incident and decided it was a deliberate handball, resulting in a penalty kick for Sunderland. Habib Diarra converted the spot-kick, securing Sunderland’s victory ¹ ².

*Leeds United’s Fury*

Leeds United had previously been denied a penalty when Pascal Struijk was pulled down by Luke O’Nien at a corner. The referee and VAR team deemed it not a penalty, sparking outrage among Leeds fans and pundits, including former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson and ex-Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford, who called the decision “absolutely embarrassing” ¹ ³.

*Aftermath*

The match left Leeds United in a tricky position, six points above the drop zone with many games in hand for their relegation rivals. The controversy has reignited debates about VAR consistency and accuracy in the Premier League