‘The game is broken’: VAR outrage explodes as ‘staggering’ call sparks fresh PL furore

The Premier League’s VAR is once again under intense scrutiny after the curious decision to not dismiss Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic against Arsenal on Monday (AEDT).

Kovacic twice entered tackles with his studs up, producing two different — and arguably wrong — decisions.

The first caught Martin Odegaard high on his ankle, although only a yellow card was produced by Michael Oliver before it was confirmed by VAR.

Just minutes later, Kovacic once again left the ground and caught Declan Rice from behind.

Watch every match of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Live on Kayo Sports. Starts THU 5 OCT 7:30PM AEDT. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

PL WRAP: Champs rocked in rival’s huge title statement; star’s ugly post-match blow-up

“What is he doing? I think he should be off. It’s madness from Kovacic,” Gary Neville said in commentary. “That one was just crazy.”

But despite the similar tackles, a second yellow card was kept in the referee’s pocket.

“I think Kovacic has got to go for that. I’m amazed he’s not,” Neville said.

Former Arsenal striker Theo Walcott said Kovacic should have already been sent from the field after the Odegaard challenge.

“It’s not a nice tackle. You can see the way he gets really low on the ankle. For me, it’s a red card. I don’t think there’s any question,” he said.

Former Arsenal star Perry Groves pointed the finger at Oliver for not at least producing a second yellow card for Kovacic’s tackle on Rice.

“It was 100 per cent a second yellow card. I’m a big fan of Michael Oliver but he’s completely bottled it,” he said.

Arsenal’s late winner over City ensured that the drama didn’t take the headlines, but the heat is nonetheless growing on the Premier League’s officials.

The