Pilgrims boss Lowe is still no fan of VAR

‘RUBBISH.’ That was the one-word answer from Ryan Lowe when the Plymouth Argyle manager was asked about his first experience of VAR.

It came as the Pilgrims played against Premier League side Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round at Bramall Lane and were beaten 2-1.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is often at the centre of controversy and it was the case in this tie too.

With the game goal-less in 31st minute, Sheffield United had strong appeals for a penalty after a shot from former Exeter City defender Ethan Ampadu hit Kell Watts. He had both of his arms raised as the ball struck him before rebounding out of play for a corner.

Premier League referee Lee Mason was surrounded by United players who argued the case for a penalty to be awarded.

There was a delay in play as Jarred Gillett, the VAR official, reviewed the incident.

However, to the surprise of many - including United boss Chris Wilder - the decision to give a corner, not a penalty, was not overturned.

It was the first time that the Pilgrims had been involved in a match involving VAR.

Asked about the incident, Lowe replied: “I couldn’t really see it, to be honest. We were waiting for a while. I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that every week.”

Lowe added: “That was my first experience of it and hopefully my last.”

Although United went on to win 2-1 and reach the fifth round, Wilder was still mystified that a penalty was not awarded against Watts.

Wilder said: “I’m going to watch that back. Nobody could believe it, couldn’t believe it.

“It hit him underneath his armpit apparently, as I was told by the referee. For me, straight away his (Watts) arms were in an unnatural position.

“Somebody has made a decision that baffled myself and all our coaching staff at the time.