"Controversy arises: Did VAR make the wrong call on Southampton's disallowed goal?"

Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed frustration with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after Cameron Archer’s goal against Brighton was controversially disallowed. Martin described VAR as a "big problem" for the Premier League if it continues to overturn decisions like this.

Archer appeared to have given Southampton the lead at the Amex Stadium on Friday, only for the goal to be ruled out due to Adam Armstrong being deemed offside. The decision, which took over four minutes of deliberation, left the Saints manager furious, particularly as Armstrong’s involvement appeared minimal.

Martin argued that VAR's purpose is to correct clear and obvious mistakes but felt this decision failed to meet that standard. "If a decision is made in the heat of the moment, you can accept it," Martin told the BBC. "But when you have so much time and still arrive at the wrong conclusion, that's a problem."

Southampton, sitting at the bottom of the table, battled back impressively after Kaoru Mitoma gave Brighton a first-half lead. Flynn Downes equalized in the 59th minute, and Archer thought he had secured a crucial win for the Saints before VAR intervened.

The Premier League later explained the goal was disallowed because Armstrong, in an offside position, was deemed to have impacted Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's ability to play the ball. However, Martin questioned the interpretation, noting that Armstrong did not touch the ball and had minimal influence on the play.

Managerial Tensions Boil Over
The match also saw heated exchanges between Martin and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler. Both managers were booked during the game and clashed after full-time, accusing each other of disrespect. Hurzeler, who faces a touchline ban due to accumulated yellow cards, criticized Martin for his conduct, while Martin accused his counterpart of trying to get Southampton players booked.

The 1-1 draw kept Brighton in second place, while Southampton remains four points adrift of safety with just one win in 13 league games.