Luton Town assistant manager Chris Powell has reignited the debate over video technology in the third tier after calling the two Stevenage goals that sank the Hatters "a case for VAR in League One."

What happened at Broadhall Way

Stevenage won the League One derby 2-1 on 11 September, but the manner of both goals left Luton furious. The opener, scored by Dan Kemp, came after what Powell and head coach Jack Wilshere believed was a blatant foul by Stevenage midfielder Dan Phillips on Liam Walsh. Wilshere protested so forcefully that the referee sent him off, meaning the Hatters boss will serve a touchline ban for Luton's next home game against Bradford City on 19 September.

The second goal, credited to Josh Magennis, was described by Powell as a "clear offside." With two questionable decisions directly leading to two Stevenage goals, Luton's case for closer scrutiny of officiating is hard to dismiss.

Kasey Palmer pulled one back for Luton, his effort deflected in by Mads Andersen, but Alex Revell's Stevenage side held on comfortably enough to claim all three points.

Powell makes the VAR argument

VAR (Video Assistant Referee technology) is currently used in the Premier League and the Championship, but not in League One. Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio after the defeat, Powell was measured but direct in making his case.

"I get it, referees have a tough job," he said. "But surely there is an argument for VAR at this level. It can cost teams points, it can cost people jobs."

Powell acknowledged the difficulty officials face in real time: "They get a split second, we have the advantage of seeing it again — they don't." But he added that the collective setup of four officials, plus a match assessor, ought to be catching decisions of that magnitude.

"Everyone in the stadium is expecting the referee to blow," he said of the foul that led to the opener. "The replays just confirmed what we saw, and then the second goal is offside. They've scored two goals and won a game when actually they've had a helping hand."

Where does this leave both clubs?

The result leaves Stevenage in fourth place in the early League One table, with Alex Revell's side continuing to punch above their weight in the division. For Luton, sitting eighth after six games with a record of two wins, two draws and two defeats, the mood is of opportunity missed rather than any deep structural concern.

The Hatters know they face two immediate problems, however. First, Wilshere's suspension means they must navigate the Bradford City fixture without their head coach in the dugout, which adds pressure to what is already a testing schedule. Second, losing a local derby in this fashion, with genuine grievances over the officiating, risks festering if results do not quickly improve.

Whether Powell's comments prompt any formal response from the EFL on the VAR question remains to be seen. The cost of introducing the technology across an entire division is considerable, and the governing body has so far shown little appetite for expanding it below the Championship. But every high-profile refereeing controversy in League One adds another voice to a growing chorus.

For now, Luton must reset quickly. A home crowd will expect a reaction against Bradford City, even without Wilshere in the technical area. Powell himself will have to step up, and if his post-match composure is anything to go by, the Hatters will be organised and motivated when that whistle blows on 19 September.

Frequently asked

Why was Jack Wilshere sent off against Stevenage?
Wilshere was sent off for protesting after Stevenage's opening goal was allowed to stand despite what Luton believed was a clear foul on Liam Walsh in the build-up. His dismissal means he will miss Luton's next League One fixture from the dugout.
Does League One use VAR?
No. VAR is currently used in the Premier League and the Championship but not in League One. Luton assistant manager Chris Powell used the disputed Stevenage goals as an argument for introducing the technology at third-tier level.
When is Luton's next League One game after the Stevenage defeat?
Luton host Bradford City on 19 September. Jack Wilshere will be serving a touchline ban following his red card at Broadhall Way, so assistant manager Chris Powell is expected to manage the side from the dugout.