Russell Martin was left “frustrated” after VAR controversially ruled out a potentially match-winning goal for Southampton in their 1-1 draw away to Brighton.
Cameron Archer thought he had put the Saints ahead 68 minutes in, firing home from a whipped cross by Ryan Fraser, although he was flagged offside.
After a VAR check that lasted almost five minutes, Archer was deemed to be onside. However, the goal was still disallowed, with Adam Armstrong deemed to be interfering with play in an offside position.
The Premier League Match Centre account posted on X to explain the decision: “The referee’s call of no goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Armstrong was in an offside position and deemed to be impacting [Bart] Verbruggen’s ability to play the ball.”
Martin said in his post-match conference on this decision: “It affects the goalkeeper if he can’t come for the cross because of Armstrong’s position or if Armstrong’s run has made him move position.
“It goes behind Adam and it’s too far away from him to come for the cross unless he’s Superman.
“Does [Verbruggen] move because of Armstrong’s position? He doesn’t. He actually takes a step away to Archer.
“If it’s been not given because it affects the goalkeeper, it doesn’t. So that’s a bad decision.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe game was tense throughout the second half. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was booked, and he had heated exchanges with Martin during and immediately after the game.
Hurzeler said on their confrontations: “You have to ask him. I think it’s so important to respect each other.”
Martin was asked about this, and said: “Respect is reciprocal, it’s mutual.
“The amount of times in the opposition dugout that they asked for a booking for one of our players, I’ve never known it to be that level.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Brighton dugout’s frustration was largely focused towards Saints goalscorer Flynn Downes. He pulled down Joao Pedro for his fifth foul, but escaped a second yellow.
Hurzeler said regarding Downes: “There’s no explanation for that, that’s something that changes the game. It changed the game in Bournemouth [when Carlos Baleba was controversially sent off].”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Seagulls dominated the first half, highlighted by Kaoru Mitoma’s goal. The Japanese international headed home his second goal in as many league games from a gorgeously weighted Tariq Lamptey cross.
However, Brighton missed several first half chances. Georginio Rutter struck the post 16 minutes in, and Mitoma missed an early one-on-one chance. Hurzeler said: “In the first half, we had enough chances to win the game and we didn’t use them.”
Embed from Getty ImagesSouthampton punished Brighton’s profligacy early in the second half. Tyler Dibling’s run led to two blocked Armstrong shots before Downes pounced on the loose ball to equalise.
The result marks the third time this season Brighton have dropped points after leading at home.
“This can’t be our identity, this can’t be our style of play,” Hurzeler said. “We have to apologize for the second half.”
A Thursday night trip to Fulham awaits for second-place Brighton.