An ex-FIFA and Premier League referee has insisted that Bafana Bafana star Lyle Foster's disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest on Monday night should have stood.
Former English association football referee Mark Halsey has stated that it was a "poor decision" to rule out the South African's goal that could have been decisive in Burnley's 1-1 draw with Forest.
Read: Kompany gives verdict on Foster's goal harshly disallowed by VAR
Foster's 76th-minute strike was disallowed after an intervention by the video assistant referee (VAR), who adjudged that midfielder Sander Berge had used his arm to control the ball in the build-up to the goal.
Halsey has since expressed his thoughts on that verdict on social media, insisting that the wrong call was made.
"Poor decision to rule out Burnley's second goal that was never a deliberate handball by Sander Berge," he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
"VAR should not have recommended a review with this incident."
His sentiment came in response to another ex-EPL referee, Keith Hackett, who had explained that the unpredictable nature of VAR decisions is taking away from the delight of spectators.
"It is evident to me that the inconsistency of the VAR operation is spoiling fans enjoyment," Hackett wrote.
"The criteria of 'Clear and Obvious' is at the route of the problem.
"The theme appears to be 'How can we strike out a goal?' rather than 'How can we allow it to stand?'."
Foster's game against the Tricky Trees proved a medley of emotions for the forward as he provided the assist for Zeki Amdouni's 41st-minute strike that gave Burnley the lead in the tie, before having the abovementioned goal ruled out, and then being sent off in injury time.
The South Africa international received a straight red card in stoppage time after elbowing Forest midfielder Ryan Yates in the ribs – an act that was deemed as violent conduct.
Read: Four Man Utd stars in 'angry bust-ups' after latest loss
As a result, Foster has been handed a three-match suspension that will see him miss his side's home clash against Manchester United on Saturday, as well as their Carabao Cup tie against Salford City next Tuesday and their EPL match against Newcastle United on 30 September.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
