Brighton ended an eight-game winless run in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town - a game in which the decision not to field Joao Pedro became a major talking point.
The Seagulls were losing to Ipswich Town early in the second half when Brighton striker Pedro appeared to jump on home goalkeeper Christian Walton who was off the ball while trying to collect a pass.
Referee Tony Harrington deferred his decision before showing the yellow card and VAR agreed.
The incident became even more significant six minutes later when former Brighton goalkeeper Walton broke a slow start to the game by letting Kaoru Minama's shot pass through his hands and into the net.
"I didn't look back. I thought he had a bit of an influence on the goalkeeper. I thought he knew what he was doing," Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna said. "That's football, it happens.
"The referee gave the yellow card and dealt with it. It's not something we should cry too much about."
When asked about the incident, Brighton manager Fabian Huerzel said: "He came too late, yes. He meant no harm, he didn't want to hurt him. I didn't see a red card for the challenge. Down."
Brighton then made adjustments to cement their authority in the game, with one of the substitutes, Georginio Rutter, doubling their lead with a clever set piece. VAR checked whether Lewis Dunk was blocking Walton's view when shooting, but deemed the Brighton defender was in position.
The second goal was particularly damaging for Ipswich as it moved them back into the relegation zone on goal difference. McKenna's side failed to capitalize on Brighton's weak first-half form, with Nathan Brodhead, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson all dropped by Bart Verbruggen. Defense blocked.
For Brighton, however, the victory moved them into the top half and ended their longest winless run since December 2021, when Graham Potter's Seagulls went 11 games without a win. Won.
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Pedro has been here before...
Sam Blitz, Sky Sports:
This is not the first time Joao Pedro has been involved in an incident where his intentions have been questioned.
Pedro avoided a red card against Brentford on 27 December despite waving his elbow at Brentford's Jehor Yarmolyuk. Although the rules of the game stipulate that "attempts to use excessive force" are punishable by a red card, the Brazilian did not make contact with the midfielder.
How does it compare to this situation? Despite calls from Ipswich players and Portman Road fans for the strongest possible action, referee Tony Harrington took his time before making his decision, which was a difficult thing to do.
Pedro appeared to jump towards Walton - which might have been considered too much - but was the Brighton striker trying to get away from the goalkeeper? Once Harrington is given a yellow card, it will be difficult for VAR to overturn it.
But there is something to be said for Pedro being lucky. Another referee might have imposed a harsher penalty.
McKenna: First goal changed the game
ipswich manager Kieran McKenna:
"I thought we had more threats and had the ball in better areas. I thought we had a strong first half and started the second half better.
"We were the better team until their first goal, which was their first real threat to our goal. Our defense wasn't as good as we wanted and we should have stopped the goal . It really changed the game.”
"From our point of view, I think the first goal changed the game disproportionately and had the effect we wanted. But I think we could have found a better reaction than what we did.
"But it looked like our confidence went down in the game. Their confidence did go up and they had good subs and it gave them confidence that they were the better team in the last 30 minutes."
Huzler: Brighton should get some confidence back
brighton manager Fabian Hertzler:
"Overall, we controlled the game and defended well. Especially in the second half, we had more chances. We kept our structure and played more vertically in the second half and felt like we deserved to win."
“The game always starts when you score because the opponent has to react, defend higher, press higher and give us more space at the back – and we were able to exploit that.
"It's very important to me that we focus and trust the process. We've been better in the last eight games, but we haven't won games. Today, we played well, we were consistent, but it wasn't the best we've ever had. Good performance."
"This win should give us confidence and belief."