The Most Controversial Decisions Made by Premier League Referees This Season

Refereeing controversies are an inevitable part of football, and this Premier League season has been no exception. From disputed penalties to questionable red cards, match officials have been at the centre of several contentious moments.

Today, as part of our series on Premier League referees, EPLNews examines some of the most controversial refereeing decisions that have sparked debate among fans, players, and pundits alike.

Pedro Neto Penalty Claim vs Crystal Palace (Referee: Tim Robinson)

Chelsea were leading Crystal Palace 1-0 when Pedro Neto and Tyrick Mitchell raced towards a loose ball inside the Eagles’ penalty area. Neto reached the ball first, nudging it away with his toe, but Mitchell failed to make contact with the ball and instead clipped Neto’s legs, sending him to the ground.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea | HIGHLIGHTS | Premier League 24/25

Referee Tim Robinson ruled that Mitchell had won the ball fairly, a decision backed by VAR. However, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher later stated on Sky Sports that he would have awarded a penalty.

Ait-Nouri Handball Claim vs Nottingham Forest (Referee: Peter Bankes)

During Wolves’ 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Rayan Ait-Nouri escaped punishment for what many deemed a clear handball. Ola Aina’s cross struck Ait-Nouri’s arm inside the penalty area, yet referee Peter Bankes dismissed the appeals, a call that VAR upheld.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sllwxP5Yr7k

After the match, the Premier League Match Centre account clarified that Ait-Nouri’s arm was considered to be in a natural position when the ball made contact, a decision that left fans and pundits baffled.

Jhon Duran Red Card vs Newcastle United (Referee: Anthony Taylor)

Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran saw red for what was deemed an intentional stamp on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar during their Boxing Day clash. While some agreed with the decision, others, including former Villa player Dean Saunders, were outraged.

“There was no intent!” Saunders raged on TalkSPORT. “Duran was trying to get past Schar to reach the ball.”

Duran reacted furiously to the dismissal, kicking a water bottle and needing to be restrained by Villa staff. The FA later charged him with improper conduct.

Eberechi Eze Disallowed Goal vs Brentford (Referee: Sam Barrott)

Crystal Palace midfielder Ebere Eze was denied a stunning free-kick goal in Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Brentford in August.

With the game goalless, Eze curled in a free-kick, but referee Sam Barrott had already blown his whistle for a foul by Will Hughes before the ball crossed the line. This early whistle prevented VAR from reviewing the supposed foul or the goal itself.

Eze scores brilliant disallowed Free Kick! | Premier League Highlights Brentford 2-1 Crystal Palace

Eze later revealed to Match of the Day that Barrott admitted his mistake: “I was told [by the referee] that he blew too early and made the mistake. It could have changed the game, but we have to deal with it.”

Issa Diop Foul vs Liverpool (Referee: Tony Harrington)

Liverpool fans were left frustrated when Fulham’s Issa Diop escaped a red card in their 2-2 draw. Diop challenged Andy Robertson for a bouncing ball but missed it entirely, instead planting his studs into the Scot’s knee.

Referee Tony Harrington only brandished a yellow card, and VAR declined to overturn the decision. To make matters worse for Liverpool, Robertson was later sent off for a challenge on Harry Wilson.

Leandro Trossard Second Yellow vs Manchester City (Referee: Michael Oliver)

Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card during Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City for allegedly delaying a restart. Moments before half-time, with Arsenal leading 2-1, the Belgian barged into Bernardo Silva, and referee Michael Oliver awarded City a free-kick.

Trossard then kicked the ball away, a move Oliver interpreted as time-wasting, despite Trossard’s protests that he was attempting to play Gabriel Martinelli through on goal. The decision proved costly, as Arsenal were later pegged back by a late equaliser.

Matthijs de Ligt Foul vs West Ham (Referee: David Coote)

Erik ten Hag’s final game as Manchester United manager saw controversy unfold as Matthijs de Ligt conceded a late penalty against West Ham. Initially, referee David Coote did not award a spot-kick, but VAR official Michael Oliver intervened, ruling that De Ligt had fouled Danny Ings.

Jarrod Bowen converted the penalty, sealing a West Ham victory. The decision was later questioned by PGMOL chief Howard Webb on Match Officials Mic’d Up.

“I think this is a situation where we’d leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it’s called. On balance, I don’t think it’s a penalty,” said Webb.

United fans, however, may be relieved it was given, as the result contributed to Ten Hag’s dismissal.

William Saliba Foul vs Brighton (Referee: Anthony Taylor)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left fuming after William Saliba was penalised for a foul on Brighton’s Joao Pedro.

With Arsenal leading 1-0, Pedro went to ground following a clash of heads with Saliba while challenging for a high ball. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, and VAR upheld the decision.

However, alternative camera angles showed Saliba making contact with the ball before colliding with Pedro. Arteta, furious at the decision, lamented that his side dropped two points due to the call.

Pervis Estupinan Challenge vs West Ham (Referee: Rob Jones)

Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan was fortunate to avoid a red card after a dangerous challenge on West Ham’s Maximilian Kilman. The Ecuadorian defender appeared to leave the ground with both feet before clattering into Kilman, studs up.

Referee Rob Jones initially showed a yellow card, with VAR official Paul Tierney reviewing the incident but ultimately deciding against upgrading the punishment. The decision left West Ham fans incensed.

Joao Pedro Elbow vs Brentford (Referee: Andy Madley)

Brighton’s Joao Pedro was involved in yet another controversial moment, this time against Brentford in late December.

After Brentford’s Yehor Yarmoliuk pulled Pedro’s shirt to prevent a counterattack, the Brazilian retaliated by swinging his elbow toward Yarmoliuk’s face. Fortunately, he missed.

Referee Andy Madley booked Yarmoliuk, but VAR intervened to review Pedro’s action. Despite clear evidence that Pedro had attempted an elbow, officials deemed it unworthy of a red card. Had he connected, the consequences could have been severe.

Conclusion

This season has been littered with contentious refereeing decisions that have shaped results, sparked debate, and left clubs feeling hard done by. With VAR continuing to divide opinion, the conversation around officiating standards in the Premier League shows no sign of fading. Whether these controversial moments will lead to changes in officiating protocols remains to be seen, but for now, the debates rage on.