Leicester benefitted from new technology in Brighton draw as PGMOL also explain penalty decision

Add as preferred source on Google

Leicester City ended a run of defeats dating all the way back to 26 January with a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

It looked as if it was going to be a repeat of a familiar tale as Joao Pedro scored a penalty following Conor Coady’s handball.

Stephy Mavididi equalised to end a 76-day wait for the Foxes to score a Premier League goal. There was jubilation in the away end as Leicester fans sung a hilarious chant in response.

Pedro scored again from the spot after a controversial decision involving Luke Thomas but Caleb Okoli’s equaliser was enough to share the spoils. Okoli’s goal was looked at for a potential for an offside but thankfully, a new piece of technology came into play.

• READ MORE: Stephy Mavididi makes statement and signing needed in key position… five things learned from Leicester City draw vs Brighton

Semi-automated offside used for Caleb Okoli goal

For the first time this weekend, the Premier League used a new semi-automated offside system.

In place of VAR, the speed, efficiency and consistency of the process is designed to be a lot quicker.

It’s used in tight calls and for Okoli’s equaliser, they had to see if the Italian had moved too quickly but thankfully, he was one the right side.

What is semi-automated offside technology?

According to the Premier League website, semi-automated technology makes the key elements of the offside decision-making process for VAR.

It can be used in close calls which could confirm or recommend a change to the referee’s call on-field. Replay operators help to track and pin point the exact moment to create automated lines and determine whether a player is onside or offside.

PGMOL explain why Luke Thomas penalty decision was awarded

On another day, there is every chance that Leicester could’ve returned from the South Coast with all three points.

Less than 10 minutes after the second 45, the Foxes thought they had got away with one as Thomas was involved in a struggle with Matt O’Riley.

After a brief pause, referee Darren Bond awarded a penalty via VAR after checking the on-field monitor.

Explaining why the full-back, the league’s match hub said: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Brighton for a challenge by Thomas on O’Riley – and deemed there was a sustained pull on O’Riley and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Brighton.”