Leicester City have accused the Premier League of a VAR cover-up by allegedly using the wrong image to allow Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe Mateta’s offside goal stand.
The French striker’s goal was initially ruled out as offside by the referee.
The referee’s decision was reversed by the VAR and the goal was awarded even though some angles showed the striker was in an offside position.
The Leicester team were 2-0 ahead in the match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on September 14, 2024. Mateta scored two goals to make the scoreline 2-2 to secure a point for the Eagles.
Even though Leicester City were not happy with the VAR’s decision, the PGMOL insisted there was no mistake, stating that the correct image was used and it was placed on the monitor accurately.
How Leicester City Manager Steve Cooper Reacted to the Alleged Error Committed by VAR
Leicester City manager Steve Cooper felt bad about the VAR decision to allow Mateta’s goal stand.
He said “We’re over it now; it was an awful human error that we believe has been hidden a little bit. We have seen different images that show he was offside, but unfortunately, they froze it at the wrong time, and he was deemed to be onside. Everything that has been seen has been a false image.”
“On Monday we showed the Premier League with clear footage that the game was stopped at the wrong time.”
“Decisions go against you whether it’s in-game or VAR, and we’ve had a massive error go against us. We don’t want it to go under the radar because I don’t think that’s right for the players or the supporters.”
“Errors like that shouldn’t happen, and it’s why we’re changing to the semi-automated system. We felt very let down by it. We needed to stand up for the club and tell the Premier League what we thought.”
How Has Leicester City performed in the Premier League this season
The Leicester City side are currently in 15th place on the Premier League table. They have two points from four matches. In Leicester City’s first game in the 2024-25 season, the Foxes played a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The team lost two subsequent matches against Aston Villa and Fulham after a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Foxes are focused on staying in the Premier League for another season. They will do everything possible in their power to make sure it happens.
The Foxes’ bosses will go to the extent of bringing in more attacking powers. If Cooper fails to perform, the board won’t take long before a decision will be made on his future.
How many trophies has Leicester won?
The team have won one Premier League title, one FA Cup and three League Cups.
Also, the Foxes won two Community Shields, eight Championship titles, and a League One title.
What Next for Leicester City
The Leicester City team will play against relegation-threatening Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 3:00 pm.
Cooper’s team will be looking forward to securing their first win in the Premier League this season after securing two points in four matches.
