Jeff Stelling fumes at VAR as Barnsley man Adam Phillips is sent off for challenge in League One play-off final

Barnsley played over 70 minutes of the League One play-off final with ten men, as Adam Phillips was given his marching orders.

The Tykes were beaten in the final seconds of extra time when Josh Windass headed the ball home to send the Owls supporters wild.

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Phillips put in a high, late challenge on Lee Gregory and was sent offCredit: sky sports

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It was reviewed by VAR but the decision stoodCredit: sky sports

After a bright start to the second period and neither side yet to draw blood, Barnsley were reduced to ten men following midfielder Phillips’ high, late challenge on Owls forward Lee Gregory.

The Tykes man was given a straight red, which stood after a VAR review.

But the decision and use of VAR didn’t sit well with former Sky Sports host Jeff Stelling, who tweeted: “VAR total joke again in League One play off.

“Clear Barnsley pen [penalty] denied and moments later a red card for a challenge that is yellow at worst. Afraid to tell the ref he has got it wrong.”

The Tykes players, coaches and fans were up in arms just moments before Phillips was sent for an early bath as their penalty shout was waved away.

Liam Kitching – who scored in the play-off semi second leg against Bolton – was brought down inside the area and the decision was referred to VAR. But after a check, no spot kick was awarded.

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Stelling didn’t think Phillips deserved to be sent offCredit: twitter:@jeffstelling

Plenty of fans agreed with Stelling’s verdict on Phillips’ red card on social media, too.

“Very poor decision. Yellow card, no more,” one supporter wrote.

Meanwhile, another said: “Ref guessed Linesman guessed. Both square on. VAR gutless wonders.”

Barnsley still had the better of the match but were heartbroken at the end of extra time by Windass’ diving header.

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Windass sent Sheffield Wednesday to the Championship at the deathCredit: Getty

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And it was despair for BarnsleyCredit: Getty