Australian referee Jarred Gillett was at the centre of a contentious call in the Premier League on Sunday morning (AEST) as Brighton came from behind to beat Burnley 2-1.
Gillett, who became the first foreigner to be promoted to England's top-flight this season, found himself in the VAR booth for the clash and was forced into action early.
After just two minutes at Turf Moor, James Tarkowski headed home a corner for the hosts but Brighton were adamant Neal Maupay was fouled in the build-up.
On-field referee David Coote awarded the goal with Gillett reviewing replays of the incident and ultimately deciding to allow the goal to stand.
The Seagulls were left frustrated by the call but managed to channel those emotions as second-half strikes from Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister saw them claim victory.
Burnley's controversial opener remained a topic of discussion at full-time however with Brighton confused as to why the goal wasn't disallowed.
"It's 100 per cent a foul but it's part of the game. Referees make mistakes, we all make mistakes," Maupay said post-match.
"The reaction was real from me, from the team, so I think it's a very good start to the season."
Manager Graham Potter adding in an interview with BBC Sport: "It looked a push and you can see clearly that it is. If the referee doesn't give them, they don't give them. But the concern is they're letting a lot go."
While Gillett wasn't alone in making the call, his involvement in it attracted some unwanted attention on social media with the Aussie hoping to referee his first Premier League match soon.
Referee, by the way, is David Coote.
— Andy Naylor (@AndyNaylorBHAFC) August 14, 2021
VAR is Jarred Gillett, Australian promoted to PL.
They've had an early shocker. #BHAFC #BURBHA
Who is Jarred Gillet and why wasn’t that a foul pic.twitter.com/bYyW6hwp8M
— Alan Rzepa (@alanrzepa) August 14, 2021
Never a goal, VAR broken yet again
— S (@sebmax33) August 14, 2021
Gillett officiated in the A-League for several seasons before moving to England in 2019 to take up a post-doctoral research position at Liverpool John Moores University.
The 34-year-old impressed in England's lower tiers last season and was one of four referees promoted to the Premier League for the 2021-22 campaign.