Pascal Struijk's controversial dismissal against Sunderland has been wiped away, and the VAR debate in the Premier League is louder than ever.
Pascal Struijk can breathe easy. The red card shown to the defender during the clash with Sunderland has been overturned, ending a decision that sparked fierce argument among fans and pundits.
The sending-off came after a VAR intervention, and it was questioned almost immediately. Many felt the punishment did not fit the incident. The reversal now confirms that the original call was a mistake.
The case adds to the growing frustration with video technology in the Premier League. VAR was brought in to remove clear errors. Yet decisions like this one leave supporters asking whether it is creating confusion instead, and how a player can be sent off when the call is later undone.
For Struijk, the overturned card means he avoids the suspension that normally follows a straight red. That matters for his side, who keep a key defender available. The bigger question remains for the league: how do officials make sure the right call is made the first time? Fans across the game will be watching closely.
