Three for a Dollar, VAR Ever Present in Tottenham v Brighton

There were three VAR reviews in the Tottenham Brighton game on Sunday, with two going Spurs way and one Brighton’s and none going the way of the fan.

Before VAR came into existence, it seemed like such a great idea, using this incredible camera technology to get all the calls right. However, a couple years in and it seems every game is now marred with VAR controversy. Sunday in north London was no different, as there were three official VAR reviews, including a pitch-side review; and Brighton left wishing a fourth review could have occurred.

This was not the first time this season Tottenham Hotspur or Brighton have had a run-in with VAR. A late, seemingly phantom handball near the edge of the box gifted Newcastle a draw earlier this season. However, VAR seemed to help Spurs when Erik Lamela drew Anthony Martial into a stupid penalty which was deemed a shot to the face and a red card.

Such is football right now, where even celebrations are sometimes muted wondering if VAR is going to come into play. I suppose we were fortunate none of the calls Sunday involved red and blue lines and a slide rule, which has bitten Spurs more than one in the last couple of seasons.

So, what went down with the three VAR reviews Sunday in the Tottenham victory? Why might Brighton feel put out a fourth review did not occur? How should we feel about VAR moving forward? Read on to see.