The Cherries started well against Burnley and took the lead with a Joshua King goal. However, it was ruled out because the ball was deflected off of Billing onto him from a corner and the VAR decided that the ball had come off the arm of Billing. This was a very debatable decision given that the ball looked like it came off of Billing’s shoulder, not his arm.
Shortly after this incident a cross found Harry Wilson at the far post where he should have headed home, but he headed to close the keeper who made a relatively easy save. Bournemouth had also had a good chance through Callum Wilson.
Burnley created some chances as well, but Cherries keeper, Ramsdale, kept them at bay until the 53rd minute when Vydra cut inside and chipped over him.
The game changing moment came in the 61st minute when Burnley crossed the ball and it deflected off Bournemouth defender Smith at the back post. The subsequent Bournemouth attack from this incident saw Harry Wilson score. The game was stopped and the VAR decided that the ball had come off Smith’s arm and awarded a penalty. It looked to most that it had come off his shoulder. The Bournemouth goal was wiped out and Rodriguez scored from the penalty to make it 2-0. This was a devastating blow for the Cherries and they then went on to concede an 87th minute goal to make it 3-0.
This was not a good day for the VAR and a terrible day for the Cherries.
