VAR Mishap Confirmed, Yet Maresca Stresses Team’s Unbelievable Performance

A post‑match VAR review revealed that the assistant referee had missed an off‑side position by Angel Fernández, but Maresca refused to let the error dominate the narrative. He acknowledged the officials’ mistake but argued that the focus must remain on the team’s “unbelievable” performance, especially the defensive resolve while reduced to ten men.

Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City, Maresca said, “Talking about a single incident after we defended ten‑against‑eleven for 15 minutes feels wrong. The players delivered a performance that deserves applause, not criticism.”