Referee & VAR conversations shows why Nathan Ake’s controversial goal for Man City vs Fulham was given

Football fans can rejoice somewhat as VAR decisions are finally being explained to us in a new midweek programme called Match Officials Mic’d Up.

In a first-half that saw very little to divide the two teams at Bramall Lane last month, Manchester City had been handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the contest thanks to a handball from Sheffield United captain John Egan.

While many could not have argued against the call, the decision went in City’s way after a check from VAR and on-field approval from referee Jarred Gillett. However, fans can now be taken behind-the-scenes by the PGMOL who have released audio from the review.

As part of the discussion revealed on ‘Match Officials: Mic’d Up’ broadcast on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, as well as the Premier League’s social media channels, the full transcript involving match referee Gillett and VAR Simon Hooper has been revealed, along with the voices from assistant referees and assistant video assistant referees on the day.

Full transcript as per ‘Match Officials: Mic’d Up’

VAR, Simon Hooper: “Possible offside. Hands, possible hands.”

AVAR, Adam Nunn: “Is that a hand mate? Is that a hand?”

REF, Jarred Gillett: “It is for me. The left hand’s up. The left hand’s up for me.”

VAR, Hooper: “It is, yeah. It’s out, yeah. I can confirm that, I’m happy with that.”

REF, Gillett: “It’ll be check.”

VAR, Hooper: “Checked.”

VAR, Hooper: “Pen confirmed mate, just checking the APP (attacking phase of play). Pen confirmed, just checking the APP.”

REF, Gillett: “It’ll be check. It’ll be checked.”

RO, Replay Operator: “Are you happy from there?”

VAR, Hooper: “Yeah, run from there.”

AR1, Assistant Referee 1: “Jarred, I think it was a penalty confirmed, checking the APP.”

VAR, Hooper: “It’s fine, he’s onside, no issues. Check complete, check complete.”

REF, Gillett: “Cheers mate, pen.”

PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb’s verdict

Speaking to ‘Match Officials: Mic’d Up’, Howard Webb indicated that he was happy with the process that took place, and the decision that was reached between the match officials allocated to Sheffield United against Manchester City last month.

Nathan Ake’s controversial goal in Man City vs Fulham

In their recent fixture with Fulham, Manchester City scored a goal which looked to be a relatively clear offside. However, the goal was given, which at the time put them 2-1 in front.

Defender Nathan Ake had a goal ruled as fair despite an obvious interference from fellow defender Manuel Akanji, who was very clearly standing in an offside position and blocking the vision of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The ball did not touch Akanji, it must be said, and he did make an attempt to move out of its path, but it bounced very close to him, so it should have been ruled out according to Howard Webb, who is the head of PGMOL, the body responsible for refereeing games in English professional football.

VAR and match official Michael Oliver made the case that it was a goal as Akanji’s movement and position did not impact Fulham goalkeeper Leno’s ability to make a save. However, Webb argued that it did have an impact on the German as he appeared to hesitate, with Webb stating that he was potentially waiting for a deflection off Akanji.

Video: VAR audio for Nathan Ake’s goal vs Fulham

Inside the VAR discussion on Nathan Ake's goal against Fulham 📺 pic.twitter.com/atLdPjaOwT

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 6, 2023