[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Leicester forward completed a brace in their 2-0 FA Cup win over Fleetwood Town thanks to a VAR call – an English football first.
Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho became the first player in English football to have a goal awarded by the video assistant referee (VAR) system on Tuesday.
The much-debated technology, which has been tested at FIFA events and used in Serie A and the Bundesliga this season, made its English debut through trials in the FA Cup and EFL Cup semi-finals this month.
Former Manchester City youngster Iheanacho had already given Leicester the lead in their third-round replay against League One Fleetwood Town and had a second disallowed for offside.
The Nigeria international then latched on to a Riyad Mahrez pass and finished, only to see his celebrations curtailed by the official’s flag once more.
However, a review of the goal via VAR clearly showed Iheanacho was onside when Mahrez played him in – ensuring Leicester were 2-0 up and on the way into round four, while their 21-year-old forward will be the answer to a trivia question for years to come.
The Foxes take on Watford on Saturday as they return to Premier League action.
– goal.com
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