Suddenly the atmosphere changed and where it had looked as though United, who had completely dominated the match up that point, would go on to win comfortably, Sunderland fans had been given a lift an the roar to strike off the ‘goal’ was almost as loud as the one that greeted Burrows finding the net a few minutes earlier.

A full Championship season had been completed without the use of VAR but having been brought in for the Play-Off Final, it would make itself a key factor in deciding the tie.

The EFL released a statement on social media, reading: – 35’ VAR OVERTURN: Burrows’ goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Vinicius Souza was in an offside position and made an obvious action that clearly impacted the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball. The referee overturned his original decision and the goal was disallowed.”

Chris Wilder said afterwards: “There’ll obviously be a lot of talk about the VAR. I’m being consistent in terms of what Regis said as well. We play 46 games and two play-off games [without VAR], and then all of a sudden it’s a subjective decision by the referee.

“I’ve got to say, I don’t think the goalkeeper saves it. I don’t think he gets anywhere near it. I think it’s gone past him. But listen, that’s by the by. Although it gave them a lifeline and some real energy, but without really hurting us. Our goalkeeper’s not really had a save to make.”

Broadcaster and former referee back Sheffield United on VAR

Wilder was backed in his assessment that the goal should have stood.

Former Sky Sports presenter, now on Bein Sports, Richard Keys said there was ‘nothing wrong’ with the goal.

“Congrats to Sunderland, but I feel for the Blades,” he posted on X. “There’s nothing wrong with the 2nd goal. Clearly, the keeper can see the ball because he tries to save it. There’s no way he’s impacted and 2-0 wins it.”

 

Meanwhile, Sheffield-based and hugely experienced former referees’ boss Keith Hackett said it ‘should have been allowed.’

“This is a subjective decision,” he also posted on X. “My first thought was clearly the player was in an offside position. However did he obstruct the view of the goalkeeper? My view is that this goal should have been allowed.”

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