Southampton manager Russell Martin has described VAR as a “big problem” for the Premier League following Cameron Archer’s disallowed goal against Brighton.
During Friday’s clash at the Amex, Archer appeared to have put Southampton in front, but his goal was overturned after a VAR review ruled teammate Adam Armstrong offside.
The decision, which took over four minutes to finalise, hinged on Armstrong’s perceived interference with play, a point Martin strongly contested.
Martin’s frustration was evident after the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving his side still searching for their first Premier League away win this season.
The lengthy review process and the ultimate ruling left him questioning the system.
“My problem is that the on-field decision carries weight,” Martin told the BBC.
“They watch it, and they make a mistake” 🗣
Russell Martin on the VAR decision that ruled out Southampton’s second goal 👇 pic.twitter.com/iIzDc5fGez
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 29, 2024
“You either have VAR to correct problems or not – and when it’s a goal it’s a big problem.
“If a decision is made in the heat of the moment you can accept it, but when you have so much time and we have to wait on the side of the pitch for so long and the decision is still, in my opinion, that the goalkeeper has been affected when he’s not – that’s a problem.
“I understand why they would give it in the heat of the moment but that’s why VAR is there.”
The game saw Southampton recover well after falling behind to Kaoru Mitoma’s 29th-minute goal.
Flynn Downes equalised in the 59th minute, and Archer thought he had secured a vital winner by converting Ryan Fraser’s cross from the left.
However, VAR’s intervention ensured the goal didn’t stand.
For Brighton, the result moved them up to second place in the league table.
Meanwhile, Southampton remain rooted to the bottom, having collected just five points from 13 matches and sitting four points away from safety.
