Hughes challenge shown 31 times in four-minute stoppage as VAR questioned again

But fans have been left bemused by the technology once again after a seriously long review.

Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have fouled Odsonne Edouard in the box and referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot just before the half hour mark.

The Liverpool defender was also shown a yellow card, but VAR then checked an incident just before the foul was committed.

Upon review, Will Hughes was deemed to have fouled Wataru Endo before playing to ball into the path of Palace man Edouard.

Referee Madley was sent to the VAR screen and the match did not restart until four minutes after he initially awarded the penalty.

READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE

Only three Man United stars survive brutal keep or sack game - McTominay isn't one of them

Man United to poach Newcastle chief, Palhinha transfer, ex-Premier League boss to Forest?

The challenge was replayed to viewers a grand total of 31 times and Madley was shown 24 replays before the call was eventually made.

Van Dijk's yellow card was also rescinded and play resumed, and while most agree Hughes was guilty of a foul, VAR has been criticised for the lengthy process.

"It's the right decision," admitted Scott Minto on commentary for talkSPORT, but he then admitted: "What I don't like is that VAR are in his ear, so it's not just having a looking and seeing what you think.

"I think VAR are trying to persuade him to overturn the decision, if he didn't think it was a foul in real time it shouldn't have been overturned."

Most read in Football

Crystal Palace 1-0 Liverpool LIVE: Mateta scores penalty after bizarre VAR process

From Saliba and Martinelli to forgotten man - all 12 of Emery's Arsenal signings ranked

Rooney told he's 'getting sacked in the morning' as Birmingham boss extends torrid run

Emma Hayes has dignified response to Joey Barton question after comments about pundits

Many fans on social media also lamented the time it took to check the incident, with the general consensus deeming it a foul.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took to X to say: "Why is it taking so long, it's a foul!"