on May 13, 2026, 12:20 pm, in reply to "VAR audio for the Fernandes ‘penalty’ has been released…and it seems to begs questions"
But the - albeit accidental - effect of his handball significantly affected the play. The ball went out of play denying Barry/Everton the opportunity to maximise a reasonably promising position (in possession in the penalty area < 10 yards from goal even though facing away from it).
Does the "the hand was in a natural position" stance override the effect/consequence of the handball (deliberate or not)? 
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1) The VAR confidently states that it’s a ‘total accident’ - before even watching the replay. He’s made his mind up before even using the technology, so why even have the technology? Surely at least go through the exercise before making your decision?
2) The VAR then says that the ‘total accident’ is caused because ‘He’s gone to grab the player.’ The video then shows Fernandes wrapping his arms around Barry - who he’s ’gone to grab.’ So, isn’t that a penalty in and of itself?
https://x.com/irishefc1878/status/2054353849490501780?s=46
Watching this back absolutely infuriates me. It reinforces my view that these people aren’t corrupt - they’re just entirely incompetent.