David Coote has been appointed to Aston Villa’s crunch Midlands clash with Leicester City, despite recent VAR controversy in his latest performance
In the aftermath of the latest VAR controversy, David Coote has been appointed as referee for Aston Villa’s next Premier League match against Leicester City on Saturday.
To begin with Villa’s start to the new campaign has been relatively devoid of contentious decisions. In that time Unai Emery’s men have claimed an important victory away to West Ham before falling at home to Arsenal on Saturday.
The same could have been said for the start of the campaign as a whole with talk currently dominated by transfers. That was at least until Sunday’s early round of fixtures, which saw Bournemouth host Newcastle United.
The Cherries had taken the lead through Marcus Tavernier, only to see their lead wiped away by Anthony Gordon. Dango Outtara then thought his header had taken all three points in the final minutes, however Coote – without being referred to the pitchside monitor – listened to the advice of his video assistant referee Tim Robinson to rule out the goal. The ball had come off the top of attacker’s shoulder.
Reacting on Sky Sports, former official Dermot Gallagher said there was ‘no evidence’ for either responsible to have come to that decision.
Coote then went on to cause further outrage for the hosts by opting not to hand out stronger punishment when Magpies midfielder Joelinton put his arm to the neck of opposition goalkeeper Neto in order to block a counter. A yellow card was given to the Brazilian, Andoni Iraola was in receipt of one too, plus one of his assistants was brandished the red card.
Often is the case that an official will be taken from refereeing duty one week and placed on VAR duty the week after. However, even after such controversy played out the Premier League have shown confidence in Coote by handing him control of this Midlands battle.
Timothy Wood and Craig Taylor have been named as assistant referees whilst Darren Bond is the fourth official. Based at Stockley Park, Alex Chilowicz is VAR and his assistant is Darren Cann.
Villa could equal the league’s current leading points total with victory heading into the first international break. On the other hand the Foxes’ single point so far means they could jump ahead with a win for themselves, potentially leaving Emery and Co six points off the leaders’ pace.
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