Former Premier League Referee Mike Dean issues verdict on Sheffield United disallowed goal as EFL release statement on Whether The Blades were CHEATED by VAR amid Chris Wilder’s outcry that he was Robbed by the Officials

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has evaluated a contentious call to rule out a Harrison Burrows goal in Sheffield United’s Championship play-off final match against Sunderland.

The Blades were already in front thanks to a tidy finish from Tyrese Campbell, who capitalised on some sharp build-up play by Gus Hamer before lofting the ball over the onrushing Anthony Patterson.

Chris Wilder’s men appeared to have extended their advantage just before the break when Harrison Burrows drove a low shot through a congested box and past the Black Cats goalkeeper.

However, following an extended pause, on-field referee Chris Kavanagh was called to the pitchside screen to review a potential offside involving Blades midfielder Vini Souza. The top-flight official concluded that the Brazilian had interfered with Patterson’s ability to dive, and the goal was ruled out, leaving Sheffield United with only a slender lead going into half-time.

Commenting while the final ruling on the ‘goal’ was under review, ex-Premier League referee Dean shared his personal take on the situation.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s a tight one. As the shot comes in, I think Bellingham drops back late. He doesn’t get back in time. Because it’s coming away from the keeper he does impact the keeper’s view of the ball so the keeper can’t dive until late because he knows the player is there. It’s whether the VAR thinks he’s impacted the goalkeeper, I think it could go either way if I am honest with you.

“My gut feeling would be because of where he is stood in the goal area this could be chalked off. What it will be is the VAR has requested for Chris Kavanagh to see an objective offside, which means there is a player in a position, the goal could be given and then Chris will decide whether he has impacted the goalkeeper or not. I think he has, I think the goal will be chalked off and Chris will announce to the stadium what the decision is.”

What have the EFL said about Harrison Burrows’ disallowed goal?

A post issued on social media after the call was confirmed stated: “#SHUSUN – 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.”