“It’s factual”:Former Premier League referee settles controversial VAR call in Leicester City draw vs Crystal Palace

Steve Cooper will carry the frustration of Leicester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace into the new week as the hunt for a first Premier League win of the season continues.

   A point away to Crystal Palace isn’t a bad result on the face of it, but the fact that Leicester City were 2-0 up and conceded a 92nd minute penalty is a bitter pill to swallow for Steve Cooper.

   Goals from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi put Leicester firmly in the lead, but Jean-Philippe Mateta halved the deficit just a minute after Mavididi’s goal in the 46th minute.

   The Palace striker’s goal was controversial as it was initially ruled out for offside before being disallowed after a lengthy VAR review.

   Dermot Gallagher gives his verdict on Crystal Palace’s goal against Leicester City

   Mateta was a danger man going into the game, with Cooper no doubt wary of the French forward, who has been in form since Oliver Glasner’s arrival at Selhurst Park.

   This proved to be the case as Mateta’s position meant Leicester had to settle for a draw.

   His first strike was an incredibly narrow equaliser, with Gary Lineker only left disappointed by the incident by one.

   However, former referee Dermot Gallagher gave a definitive view on the controversy in the Sky Sports News Ref Watch segment.

   Speaking about the incident, Gallagher said: “VAR felt like it was just being pushed around. The only authority we have is the technology until semi-automatic comes along.

   “The salary says it’s just in, that’s all we can go on. All teams play with the same technique, if it says onside, it’s onside, if it says off, it’s off. In their opinion, it’s factual.”

   Steve Cooper will now see Everton as Leicester City’s first win

   Former Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock agreed with Gallagher’s judgement, adding: “I understand Steve Cooper’s disappointment but I don’t think you have much of an argument for a different view.”

   In the end, Leicester should still have held on to secure their first three points of the season, but Conor Coady clumsily conceded a late penalty that split the points.

   Next up for Leicester is a home game against Everton and it’s a game Cooper knows his side can have no excuse but to win.

   The Toffees are yet to register a point this season and squandered their own 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Aston Villa at the weekend.