Arnold Clark Cup: Lack of VAR slammed after England concede contentious goal | OneFootball

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·20 February 2023

Arnold Clark Cup: Lack of VAR slammed after England concede contentious goal

Article image:Arnold Clark Cup: Lack of VAR slammed after England concede contentious goal

Fans have slammed the lack of VAR and goal-line technology in the Arnold Clark Cup after Italy scored a contentious goal against the Lionesses.

England played their second match of the four-team invitational football tournament at the Coventry Building Society Arena.


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They defeated Italy 2-1 after a brace from Rachel Daly, but the encounter was not without controversy.

With Daly scoring her opening goal in the 32nd minute, England went into the second half with a narrow lead. This was to come back to haunt them as Italy equalised in the 62nd minute.

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Why was Italy’s goal against England controversial?

The build-up to Italy’s goal started with a run from Barbara Bonansea on the left-hand side of the pitch, with the Juventus star attempting to get past Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier to get the ball into the box.

Le Tissier held firm, however, forcing Bonansea to take a heavy touch before sliding to cross the ball in.

It reached Sofia Cantore, who headed it goalwards. England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck got a hand to the ball but was unable to prevent it from sailing over her head.

Alex Greenwood appeared to clear the ball off the line, but the referee decided to give Italy the goal.

The incident sparked controversy for two reasons, with some England fans certain the ball had gone out for a goal-kick before Bonansea crossed it in, and had not fully crossed the line for the resulting goal.

Unfortunately for these fans, there is no VAR or goal-line technology at the Arnold Clark Cup, so Italy’s goal stood.

What was the reaction to Italy’s controversial goal?

While some fans were certain that Italy’s goal should have been overruled, others were not so sure.

“One angle seems to indicate it stayed in play,” one Twitter user wrote. “Not 100% of the ball out. Goal-line one tighter to call.”

Another posted: “Definitely out at the by-line from the TV angle. Goal line I have no idea”, while a third disagreed by writing: “Was out and went over line”.

“TV is not conclusive,” another Twitter user wrote. “Japan/Spain World Cup situation again.”

With the video replays unable to determine whether the ball had gone out of play or crossed the line, some fans lamented the lack of VAR and goal-line technology at the Arnold Clark Cup.

“Why is the England v Italy game being played at a ground without VAR or goal line technology,” one social media user wrote.

Another posted: “So England uses VAR for a friendly against the USA but doesn't have it for the Arnold Clark Cup....make it make sense.”

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