Michael Oliver Champions League drama cleared up as controversial goal baffles viewers

PSV's opener vs Girona raised eyebrows. (Image: GETTY/TNT SPORTS)

Michael Oliver and VAR David Coote raised eyebrows for allowing PSV Eindhoven's opening goal against Girona to stand in the Champions League this evening. PSV looked to have profited from what many thought was a foul throw, drawing criticism towards the pair of Premier League officials, but it has emerged that they were correct.

Both are already in the spotlight after combining to commit a recent high-profile mistake in West Ham United's 2-1 win against Manchester United.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb has reportedly admitted that Oliver - the VAR in that game - was wrong to recommend a penalty after Coote didn't initially judge Matthijs de Ligt to have fouled Danny Ings in the box.

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Coote switched his original decision after watching several replays on the pitchside monitor, allowing Jarrod Bowen to fire the hosts into a stoppage-time lead that proved fatal for Erik ten Hag.

The Premier League has appointed Oliver to take charge of Chelsea vs Arsenal on Sunday. Meanwhile, Coote has been tasked with Liverpool's clash against Aston Villa.

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Oliver was the referee tonight, and the latter was the VAR, as PSV Eindhoven hosted Girona on matchday four of the Champions League: League Phase.

And both were under the microscope again within the first 20 minutes when Ryan Flamingo fired PSV into the lead from a throw-in routine.

Replays appeared to show Malik Tillman's foot on the pitch as he took the throw-in, which many were convinced should have been ruled as a foul throw.

Ik klaag niet, maar deze @PSV goal had niet mogen tellen tegen @GironaFC. Foutieve ingooi van Tillman waar de goal direct uit voortkwam. #psvgir pic.twitter.com/pmdnVgFqqk

— Jacob de Weijze (@jrdeweijze) November 5, 2024

PSV led Girona 2-0 at half-time. (Image: Getty)

The decision left the commentary team on TNT Sports baffled, while hoards of viewers took to social media to express their mutual bemusement.

@Theonly DG posted on X: "David Coote has just allowed a goal for PSV from a blatant foul throw. PGMOL officials stink."

@Buntingfootball added: "That PSV goal should not be standing. That's a foul throw-in. I can't believe that has been allowed to stand, and that shows the level of the officiating with VAR. Ryan Flamingo with the goal, but as the throw was taken, it was certainly a foul one, and Girona can feel aggrieved."

@Gibbox93 offered a more fruity assessment, writing: "Of course it's the English officials who make a massive f**king error in the PSV game. Goal shouldn't be allowed, foul throw as he was well onto the pitch before he threw the ball, and they've given the goal. We've honestly got the worst officials in world football."

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Despite the criticism, Oliver and Coote had the last laugh after clarification of their decision emerged later in the first half.

Due to Tillman's back studs being on the sideline, the throw was deemed legal. It would have only been a foul throw if the PSV midfielder's full foot was on the pitch.

So, while the No. 7 was playing a risky game and undoubtedly didn't mean to be so advanced, Coote was correct in allowing the goal to stand after a review.

Tillman himself added a second for the Eredivisie side before the break, steering them towards a maiden victory in this season's competition.