Video Assistant Referee (VAR) causes controversy every week in the Premier League, but how are decisions made and are they correct?
After each weekend, we take a look at the most high-profile incidents and examine the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
– How VAR decisions affected every Prem club in 2022-23
– VAR’s wildest moments: Alisson’s two red cards in one game
– VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide
JUMP TO: Palace vs. Villa | Marginal offsides | West Ham vs. Brighton | Fulham vs. Brentford | Leicester vs. Southampton
Overturned red card: Trippier foul on De Bruyne
What happened: With the scores tied at 3-3, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne broke forward across the halfway line and was brought down by Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier. Referee Jarred Gillett showed the red card.
VAR decision: The VAR, Peter Bankes, advised the card be downgraded to yellow.
VAR overturn: Goal allowed for Almiron after incorrect offside
What happened: Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron made it 1-1 in the 28th minute but the flag went up for offside.
VAR decision: Goal awarded.
VAR review: One quick look at the first situation showed that Almiron wasn’t offside from Saint-Maximin’s initial ball into the box.
VAR overturn: Penalty awarded for handball by Digne
What happened: It was 1-1 in the 55th minute when Marc Guehi‘s header was saved by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The referee waved for play to continue as Palace defender Joachim Andersen appealed for handball against Lucas Digne.
VAR decision: Penalty awarded, missed but scored on the rebound by Wilfried Zaha.
VAR Review: It was a very harsh decision, as Digne was challenging for the ball and it hit his hand from close range.
The VAR, John Brooks, judged it filled the criteria for handball, with the arm above the shoulder, in an unnatural position and blocking an effort on goal. The law states “by having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalised.”
