Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton is threatening to defy Premier League stadium ban rules in his fight against what he perceives as VAR “injustice” toward his newly-promoted club. The outspoken executive launched an extensive attack on the video assistant referee system following Ipswich’s controversial 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.
Penalty Controversy Sparks Heated Rant
The flashpoint came in the 77th minute at Portman Road, with Ipswich leading 1-0. Leicester’s Fatawu Issahaku collided with Ipswich’s Conor Chaplin inside the penalty area, but referee Tim Robinson waved play on. The non-call resulted in a foul by Kalvin Phillips on Ricardo Pereira seconds later, earning the Ipswich midfielder a second yellow card.
VAR did not intervene to award a spot kick, much to Ashton’s dismay. It’s the latest in a series of VAR grievances for the Suffolk club since their return to the top flight. Speaking to BBC Suffolk, an irate Ashton did not mince words:
I thought Saturday was a real injustice…I made that very, very clear to [PGMOL chief] Howard Webb…If I say too much I’ll be put on a charge and…probably beyond that line, but…I’ll give you the events as they unfolded.
Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town chairman
Frustration Boils Over
Ashton revealed he messaged Webb during the match, sensing “an injustice coming.” The pair spoke after the final whistle in a conversation Ashton said needs to “remain private” to avoid a charge, stadium ban, or fine – though he stressed “none of that worries me.”
The Ipswich chief reminded Webb that the club supported retaining VAR after promotion based on Premier League promises about the high bar for overturning decisions. But after experiencing the system first-hand, Ashton declared:
If I was asked to make that vote again tomorrow, I can’t look you in the eye and say I’d vote the same way…From an entertainment perspective, I believe the game is worse off with VAR.
Mark Ashton
Inconsistency and Allegations of Big Club Bias
Ipswich have had three VAR decisions go against them this season, with penalties awarded to Manchester City and Brentford and one of their own spot kicks cancelled against Everton. Conversely, they’ve had zero VAR decisions in their favor. Ashton fumed:
All I ask for with refereeing and VAR is consistency and we have not seen consistency…It feels there is a sway towards those larger clubs. I really hope not. I would hope that over the season that evens out.
Mark Ashton
While stopping short of directly accusing the Premier League of bias, Ashton pointed to the lack of VAR intervention on the “stonewall penalty” against Leicester as the latest example of inconsistency. He ominously warned that he will give his “last breath fighting for this football club.”
Demanding Answers and Hinting at Drastic Action
Ashton revealed he has demanded a meeting with Webb at Portman Road this week to get answers for his manager, key stakeholders, and fanbase. The Ipswich chairman menacingly stated:
I felt it was an injustice to everyone in this town and this county. And I want some answers…Some things are checked, some things are not checked. Some things are overruled, some things aren’t overruled. I’m sitting in the hotseat and even I don’t understand it.
Mark Ashton
Though he refrained from specifying what rule-breaking action he’s contemplating, Ashton’s comment about being willing to risk a stadium ban suggests he could defy Premier League orders in his fight against perceived VAR injustice. The bold stance sets up a fascinating showdown between the outspoken chairman of a newly-promoted club and the league authorities.
Ipswich, who currently sit 14th in the table, will hope to have VAR controversy on their side for once in a crucial upcoming stretch of matches against relegation rivals. But whatever happens on the pitch, Ashton has made it clear he won’t stay silent if he feels the Tractor Boys are being unjustly victimized by the video replay system.
