Iheanacho scores first VAR goal in English Football

By Uzor Odigbo
Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho made history with his second goal in Leicester City’s 2-0 Emirates FA Cup replay win over Fleetwood Town at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night, becoming the first player in the history of English Football to be awarded a goal via the Video Assistant Referee.
The youngster who had played more of a bit-part role for the Foxes for much of this season was handed a rare start for the encounter and he reciprocated by repaying Claude Puel’s faith in him with a brace, the first of which came two minutes to the intermission off an assist from Islam
Slimani.
The 21-year old would then get onto the end of a Riyad Mahrez’s through ball to beat Fleetwood goalkeeper, Chris Neal for the second time in the 77th minute but saw his celebrations cut short after the linesman’s flag had adjudged him to be in an offside position when the pass was made.
However, the consultation of the VAR showed the striker to be precisely onside when the pass was made and the effort was eventually allowed to stand, ensuring Iheanacho and his side were left to jubilate for their passage into the fourth round of the competition.
The reward for their progression is a date with League One side, Peterborough in the next round of the FA Cup while the Leicestershire club are up against Watford this weekend when they return to Premier League action.