Burnley suffered a devastating 4-3 defeat to Brentford in a match that featured two controversial VAR decisions. Zian Flemming's 78th-minute goal, which would have completed a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down, was disallowed when Jaidon Anthony's shoulder was judged offside in the build-up. The Clarets then had a stoppage-time equaliser by Ashley Barnes ruled out for an accidental handball after a five-minute VAR review.

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer criticised the handball law as 'not fit for purpose' and 'unfair' to fans. The match left Burnley eight points from safety in their battle against relegation. Manager Scott Parker described the loss as 'heartbreaking' but accepted the 'fine margins of technology' that led to both decisions.

Former Premier League official Darren Cann defended the handball decision, stating it was 'correctly disallowed' under current rules. The controversy comes as the International Football Association Board (Ifab) meets to discuss potential law amendments. The Canadian Premier League has proposed trialling a new offside interpretation that would require a complete gap between attacker and defender, potentially eliminating such marginal calls in the future.