Premier League explains VAR decision on Reinildo's red card

The Premier League has clarified why VAR did not recommend that referee John Brooks overturn the second yellow card issued to Reinildo on Saturday night.

Reinildo received a red card after a challenge on Bukayo Saka during stoppage time, with Saka subsequently scoring the penalty that secured a 2-0 victory for the visitors.

The Premier League match centre released a statement regarding the incident, along with the audio from the officials, who concluded that the left back had made a genuine attempt to play the ball but had still committed a foul against Saka.

The statement reads: “The referee’s call of penalty to Arsenal and a second yellow card to Mandava for the challenge on Saka was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“REF: “He attempts to play the ball with his feet”.

VAR: “He’s clearly in.

I’m happy it’s denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity - genuine attempt for the ball.

No.17 is on a yellow card.

Foul and sanction is confirmed”.

Reinildo will now face a one-match suspension and will miss the upcoming trip to Manchester City next weekend.

The Premier League has also released audio related to a second-half penalty awarded to Sunderland when Ezri Konsa fouled Dan Ballard during a long throw.

The statement reads: “The referee’s call of penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Konsa on Ballard was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“REF: “He’s all over him at the near post facing the wrong way”.

VAR: “I’m happy that it’s a holding offence.

The foul is confirmed.

Confirming the on-field decision of penalty”.

Enzo Le Fee ultimately missed the penalty, while Bruni Guimaraes scored a remarkable long-range strike just two minutes later, giving the visitors a lead they would maintain.

Source: Sunderland Echo