In the fast-paced world of football, every decision made on the pitch can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match. This is where the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) comes into play. VAR has been a topic of controversy in the Premier League, with its decisions often sparking debates among fans, players, and managers. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some recent VAR decisions and examine how they have affected each Premier League club in the 2023-24 season. Let's dive in.
One of the incidents that drew attention was during the clash between West Ham United and Manchester United. In the 11th minute, Tomás Soucek's header was deflected and saved, but there were claims of a foul on Edson Álvarez. After reviewing the footage, the VAR decided that there was no penalty. The decision was based on various factors, including whether the holding was deemed significant and whether it had a material impact on the play. While there was some holding involved, it was not considered enough to warrant a penalty.
Another incident took place in a match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United. In the 68th minute, Pedro Neto went down in the penalty area after a challenge from Casemiro. The referee initially awarded a penalty, which was then checked by the VAR. Despite minimal contact and Neto's exaggerated response, the penalty stood. This decision highlighted the difficulty of assessing incidents and the subjective nature of referee judgments.
In the clash between Arsenal and Liverpool, there were two VAR incidents worth noting. Firstly, there was a check for offside against Bukayo Saka's goal, but the VAR confirmed that the goal should stand. Saka was in front of the ball but behind the last defender, meeting the offside criteria. Secondly, there was a question of whether Diogo Jota's goal, which went in off Gabriel, should be disallowed due to a handball. However, the VAR determined that own goals can be scored off the arm or hand, and the goal stood.
During Everton's match against Tottenham Hotspur, there were a couple of key VAR moments. In the 30th minute, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a goal that potentially involved a foul on the goalkeeper. After review, the goal stood, as the minimal pressure applied to the goalkeeper did not warrant a foul. Later in the match, there was a VAR check for a potential penalty when Radu Dragusin challenged Beto. The referee waved play on, and the VAR agreed that there was no clear and obvious error to intervene.
Moving on to Newcastle United's game against Nottingham Forest, there was a penalty awarded to Newcastle after a foul on Chiedozie Ogbene. The VAR confirmed the penalty, as the defender continued to hold the attacker's shoulder inside the penalty area. This decision showcased the distinction between fouls outside and inside the box. Additionally, Nottingham Forest's Philip Billing received a straight red card for a tackle on Callum Hudson-Odoi. The VAR agreed with the red card, as the tackle endangered the safety of the opponent.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by VAR and the crucial role it plays in ensuring fair and accurate decisions. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the threshold for VAR interventions and the subjectivity involved in interpreting certain incidents. It is vital for the VAR to strike the right balance between correcting clear and obvious errors and respecting the authority of on-field referees.
As the Premier League continues, we can expect more VAR controversies and decisions that will impact the trajectory of teams and ignite passionate discussions among football enthusiasts. The role of VAR will remain under scrutiny, as fans and stakeholders strive for transparency and fairness in the beautiful game. Stay tuned for more VAR updates as the season progresses.
