Leicester City have reportedly reached out to the Premier League, seeking clarification on the controversial VAR decision that awarded Jean Philippe Mateta’s goal for Crystal Palace during their 2-2 draw on Saturday. The Foxes had built a two-goal lead with Jamie Vardy’s first-half strike and Stephy Mavididi adding a second shortly after the break.
However, Crystal Palace quickly pulled one back with Mateta converting from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross. Initially, the goal was ruled offside by the assistant referee, but VAR official Andy Madley intervened, and after reviewing the footage, the decision was reversed, much to the surprise of many.
Leicester, frustrated by the outcome, especially as Steve Cooper continues to search for his first league win with the club, are now seeking an explanation from the Premier League. According to Tom Collomosse of The Daily Mail, the Foxes want answers regarding the circumstances behind the VAR call.
Collomosse noted on X, “Leicester have requested clarification from the Premier League as to why Mateta’s goal – initially disallowed for offside – was overturned by VAR. There is still uncertainty over the conclusiveness of the images shown to the public.”
Whether Leicester will receive a satisfactory response remains to be seen. Howard Webb, the head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has made efforts to increase transparency with initiatives like the ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ program, where controversial refereeing decisions are reviewed and explained.
Webb has previously handled similar controversies, such as Liverpool’s disallowed goal against Tottenham Hotspur last year and Nottingham Forest’s denied penalty in their 2024 loss to Everton, both due to VAR errors.
