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EPL admits incorrect penalty calls were made in all of Thursday's games

Richard Heathcote / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Premier League officiating and its use of Video Assistant Referees is facing further scrutiny after the organization admitted that incorrect penalty decisions were made in each of Thursday's three matches.

The top flight's Match Centre - an operation hub which "has ensured the smooth running of matchday operational activity" since the 2016-17 season - made the admission to the BBC's "Match of the Day" highlights show.

Bruno Fernandes won and converted a penalty in Manchester United's 3-0 win at Aston Villa. Fernandes appeared to initiate the contact with Ezri Konsa when he spun with the ball on the edge of the box, but referee Jon Moss' decision to award the penalty was supported by VAR. The subsequent spot-kick put United ahead 1-0 after a positive start to the match by Aston Villa.

James Ward-Prowse struck the crossbar from 12 yards out after the Southampton midfielder was given a penalty when he appeared to fall into a standing Andre Gomes during a 1-1 draw at Everton.

"The performance of the referee was like my team: not so good," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said regarding Lee Mason's performance.

In Tottenham Hotspur's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth at Dean Court, Harry Kane was sent to the turf in the penalty area after Joshua King seemed to push over the Spurs striker.

The 2019-20 Premier League campaign has been punctuated by a series of contentious calls despite the introduction of VAR.

Even the previously faultless goal-line technology system, which is operated by Hawk-Eye Innovations, failed to detect Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland carrying the ball over his own line against Sheffield United in the top flight's official restart following the hiatus. There was no intervention from VAR for that incident.

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