Football fans are bemoaning a lack of consistency after Burnley’s James Tarkowski escaped with just a yellow card for dangerous challenge on West Ham’s Jarred Bowen at the London Stadium.One day after Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah saw red for a high challenge against Leicester City, viewers fully expected Tarkowski to suffer the same fate.But he was shown a yellow card and the incident wasn’t reviewed by the VAR.There has been plenty of agitation surrounding the use of VAR this season but the lack of consistency is alarming.Indeed, BT Sport co-commentator Karen Carney expressed her belief that Tarkowski’s challenge was worse than Nketiah’s.
Nketiah's challenge was reviewed by VAR and he was then shown a red card in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Leicester City on Tuesday.
For Tarkowski to commit a similar foul, but for VAR not to intervene, is a concern.
Tarkowski was shown a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver, and perhaps the VAR thought that as the incident occurred close to his assistant, the correct decision was made.
That's just an attempt to justify the decision for VAR not to get involved. And to be honest, even we're not convinced.
Jay Rodriguez's goal in the first half decided the match as Burnley kept their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive.
As for West Ham, they missed out on the chance to ease their relegation concerns.
The Hammers have failed to kick on following that dramatic win over Chelsea and sit just four points above the relegation zone.
David Moyes' side are in the midst of a run of three games in seven days and manager David Moyes isn't happy with the schedule.
After taking on Newcastle last Sunday, West Ham faced Burnley on Wednesday and visit Norwich City on Saturday.
"For us to be put in a period of three games in six days [sic], which arguably are three of our most important games, is not correct," Moyes said, per BBC Sport.
"I don't agree with the Premier League and how they've done that."