Video Assistant Referee 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 major incidents, to examine and explain 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: Liverpool 1-0 West Ham | Newcastle 1-0 Everton | Palace 2-1 Wolves | Bournemouth 0-1 Southampton | Sharing the VAR audio
How VAR protocol led to Man Unted’s second goal
What happened: A delayed flag went up against Harry Kane shortly before Bruno Fernandes scored in the 69th minute.
VAR decision: Penalty, missed by Bowen.
VAR review: Gomez tried to win the ball with a high tackle from behind, not dangerously and clearly in an attempt to get to the ball first, but it was Bowen who was able to chest it down.
If referee Attwell believes Gomez got a touch on the ball, that gives the VAR, Craig Pawson, grounds to tell the referee he has missed a possible penalty. Bowen was taking control of the ball but the force from Gomez knocked the West Ham player to the ground.
It was a clumsy challenge from the Liverpool defender and a simple VAR review once it was clear he got nothing on the ball.
VAR decision: No penalty.
VAR review: A good example of how a player having his arm close to his body in an expected position for his body movement. Unlike, for example, Kelly vs. Nottingham Forest and Martinez vs. Real Sociedad, Salisu doesn’t have his arms raised from his body creating a barrier.
The ball in fact hits Salisu on the arm when it is almost touching the body, and being retracted, so despite the appeals there is no chance the VAR, Peter Bankes, gives a penalty for this.
There’s been a common misconception that the Australian A-League always broadcasts the audio during games, when in truth select incidents have been released the following week. Whenever a league shares this audio, it tends to be for non-contentious incidents.
This happened again this week after Newcastle Jets’ Jordan Elsey was sent off against Perth Glory, though it was only for a second yellow card upgraded to a straight red — and a clear incorrect decision.
Regardless of the fact this was a simple overturn, it shows how being able to hear the VAR discussion will help understanding; a clear description of what is being reviewed, the possible outcomes and the final advice.
🗣️”That’s serious foul play.”
It’s the audio that will help fans understand how a VAR turns a 🟨 into a 🟥 AND a penalty.
We have released the full audio of the conversation between VAR and the referee that saw Jordan Elsey dismissed on the weekend. pic.twitter.com/qR9oESOoNz
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) October 20, 2022
There were reports at the start of the season that the Premier League would be sharing the audio, but this was always an aim rather than an immediate intention. It wouldn’t be a surprise if we finally got to hear some audio after Webb takes up his new role as the boss of referees at PGMOL, but don’t expect it to be one of the high-profile incidents.
Serie A referee designator Gianluca Rocchi said last month it was too early to allow live broadcast,
“It’s complex, those on the pitch and those off it must have adequate communication skills,” Rocchi told the Social Football Summit in Rome. “We’re improving a lot, even compared to last year, but it still takes time.
“On the referees’ side there is total openness, there’re no secrets. The problem with broadcasting live is that there’s no filter, the whole world would hear what happens on the pitch.
“Italian referees are working hard to move towards communication that can be heard by everyone, but we are on a path of growth. Today I couldn’t send a live audio, because the level is not yet adequate, but we’re working a lot. We’re doing a huge amount of training, in some cases holding back isn’t easy because you risk limiting your spontaneity and it would become a problem in reverse.
“It depends on the results, when we know we’re ready. Then we will still need permission from FIFA, we cannot do as we please. The important thing is to be ready when the time comes.”
Information provided by the Premier League and PGMOL was used in this story.
