Late Murray winner still debatable despite VAR

AFTER all the fuss about video referees as football took a tentative step into the 21st century, this FA Cup tie was decided by a goal which still managed to inspire debate. It was scored by Brighton’s Glenn Murray with three minutes left and, as replays were shown at the Amex Stadium, Crystal Palace fans demanded it be ruled out. Murray stooped to make contact with full-back Uwe Huenemeier’s cross and nudge the ball over the line. It hit his knee, but there was a suspicion the ball may have grazed an arm. Television pundit Rio Ferdinand branded footage ‘inconclusive’. However, Palace boss Roy Hodgson had no complaints and reported himself a fan of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. ‘I can only believe that they have looked at it,’ he said. ‘It looked like handball, but, when you see it again, there’s a good chance that it wasn’t. ‘Congratulations to the VAR system. It worked well. ‘One can only hope that the VAR system assisted in the matter. Hopefully, it has made the right decision.’ Captain Dale Stephens gave Brighton the lead after 25 minutes with a low drive. Referee Andre Marriner pressed his earpiece as if to prove he was listening should an intervention be made by video referee Neil Swarbrick, who was watching in a television compound near Heathrow Airport. Nothing came and Brighton deserved to be ahead. Palace equalised in 69 minutes through Bakary Sako, but Murray had the final say.