Former Premier League referee reacts to controversial moment in Brighton & Hove Albion's defeat at Manchester City

In BT Sport’s post-match analysis of the 1-0 defeat, Walton was asked if Phil Foden’s goal should have stood after it appeared Percy Tau was fouled by Ruben Dias in the build-up.

Walton responded: “Part of VAR’s remit is to make sure nothing is happening prior to the goal in what they call the attacking phase of play.

“As we saw there with Dias sliding in with Tau, yes there is contact with Tau. Does he get the ball? Very subjective play.

“VAR will be conscious of the fact Darren England, the referee, doesn’t miss the incident, he’s right on top of it.

“It’s looking for a clear and obvious error from the referee and it deems that not to be a clear and obvious error.

“Unlike as we saw in the Burnley and Manchester United game with (Luke Shaw) was a clear foul which was brought back accordingly.

“This one was very subjective and allowed to play on. I think it is quite correct from the VAR not to intervene in this instance.”

He added: “There will be some people out there who will argue that it was a foul and some will argue that it wouldn’t be.

“In my instance here, I don't think he actually gets the ball and there is a case there for a foul.

“However, is it clear and obvious? Do we want the VAR to get involved in such a subjective point there? I don’t think we do.

“The VAR was quite right not to bring that to Darren England’s attention this evening.”