This week's Premier League action has been full of drama, with many of the matches centering around refereeing decisions.
Despite the protests, the goals stood and there were some calls to dispute some controversial penalties, but many fans were left with sour faces and confusion.
Thousands of fans were left frustrated by some of the Premier League's laws late on Sunday, and explanations have been given for four high-profile incidents over the weekend.
Why was the first goal conceded between Newcastle and Tottenham?
Newcastle's opening goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur was controversial after Jollington's rebounds showed he had controlled the ball.
Midfielder Lucas Bergvall tried to pass the ball past the Brazil international, but the ball hit his hand before reaching Bruno Guimaraes, who played in Anthony Gordon.
The goal was allowed to stand after a VAR review.
# New – 7'
The referee's goal call was upheld by VAR, which checked whether Jollington's handball was likely to have been tackled and his hand was at his side. Exposure to the natural position was assumed to be accidental.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 4 2025
The reasoning lies in the Premier League's handball rules, which distinguish between accidental and deliberate.
In order to disallow handball in the creation of a goal. The player can score directly or must set up an immediate goal.
In this example, Jollington's handball was ruled accidental because it occurred early in the sequence of play and did not meet the criteria for interference.
Spurs fans were disappointed that Newcastle's pressing and attacking without stopping the ball interfered with the fairness of the match.
Why didn't Gordon get a penalty?
In that match, Newcastle were denied a penalty when Anthony Gordon went down in the box after challenging Dejan Kululevsky.
In replays, Kulusevski shouldered Gordon and made contact with the winger's face, leaving him bloodied.
Referee Andy Madley waved play on and VAR did not intervene, angering Newcastle fans. #
Officials determined that Kulusevski's contact was accidental and not reckless or excessive, requiring a foul in such circumstances.
That decision highlighted the egotistical nature of those calls, with many arguing that Gordon's momentum was cut short by the challenge.
Why did Liverpool win a penalty against Manchester United?
#LIVMUN – 67' overturned.
VAR recommended an on-field check for a possible handball as his arm was deemed to be raised in an unnatural position. After a review, the referee overturned his original call for no penalty.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 5 2025
Matthijs de Ligt was awarded a controversial penalty for handball in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
As Mohamed Salah tried to cross, the ball went into De Ligt's outstretched arm and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot after a quick VAR check.
The decision was based on updated handball laws that included rulings on unnatural arm positions.
De Ligt's arm was deemed to be in an unnatural position and his body was unnaturally large, blocking the path of the ball.
Critics argued that De Ligt had little time to react, but according to the laws of the game. Objective is no longer a necessary factor in handball decisions.
Salah converted the penalty, compounding the frustration of United fans in particular.
Why did Brighton get a penalty against Arsenal?
#BHAARS – 58'
Saliba's foul on João Pedro checked the referee's request for a penalty and the VAR upheld it, deeming the contact sufficient for a penalty.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 4 2025
Arsenal's clash with Brighton saw William Salibar awarded another controversial penalty when he headed Joao Pedro inside the box.
Saliba's forehead came into contact with Pedro's head in a loose ball fight.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded the penalty and VAR confirmed the incident after a review.
A key point is Saliba's movement towards Pedro, which is less exposed but is interpreted as dangerous and reckless.
Critics argue that Pedro's response exaggerates the impact, but under current rules. Especially since Saliba didn't get the ball and it was considered a foul.