Bristol City boss wants VAR in the Championship after controversial Swansea goal is allowed to stand

Bristol City manager Liam Manning has called on the EFL to introduce Video Assistant Referees into the Championship.

Manning made the plea after seeing his team concede a controversial goal during Sunday’s 1-1 draw away at Swansea City. 

Ben Cabango tapped home at the far post from an Eom Ji-sung corner kick in the 15th minute after Swansea forward Ronald had appeared to block keeper Max O’Leary.

At one point, Ronald wrapped both of his arms around O’Leary but referee Josh Smith did not spot an infringement.

Manning said after the game: ‘It’s quite clear for me, when you see it back. I’ve seen it from numerous angles. Max is trying to get free but it’s hard when somebody has hold of you.

‘I want contact but when it’s that obvious. Block within the laws of the game, but that’s a clear foul. It’s getting to the stage where VAR will probably help it. There’s cons to it, but also a huge amount of pros.

‘When you look at key decisions dictating outcomes of games, it’s a huge part of it.’

Derby County were made to rue the lack of VAR in England’s second tier on Saturday as the first goal in their 3-2 defeat by Norwich was scored after the ball had left the field of play.

Several Derby players, many of whom had been much closer to the ball than the officials, were visibly furious. 

They surrounded referee Oliver Langford, who looked a little helpless as the home fans began to boo and jeer.

To anger the home supporters even more, Sainz celebrated by performing a shushing gesture and he then went on to bag a hat-trick.

VAR was introduced into the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 season.