VAR in the Premier League: An In-Depth Review of Controversial Calls

The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has transformed the landscape of the Premier League, sparking debates week in and week out. Fans and pundits alike are often polarized over the accuracy and impact of VAR decisions. In this article, we’ll delve into how VAR protocols function, dissecting recent decisions to understand the rationale behind the calls, their interpretations, and the ever-present controversies they generate.

Understanding VAR Protocol

Before diving into specific incidents, it’s important to grasp how VAR operates within the framework of football. VAR is employed to assist referees with clear and obvious mistakes regarding goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. The VAR review process involves checking available footage and, when necessary, advising the on-field referee to review the incident on a pitch-side monitor.

The first step in any VAR review is determining whether the on-field referee had all the relevant information. If they missed a critical part—like a ball deflection or a player being offside—then the VAR can intervene. However, the VAR cannot simply re-referee the match; their role is to ensure that the correct decision is made based on the information available.

Highlighted Controversies: Arsenal vs. Newcastle

One of the most heated discussions stemmed from Arsenal’s recent penalty claim against Newcastle United. Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded the penalty after Newcastle’s Nick Pope collided with Viktor Gyökeres. However, following the VAR review, the decision was overturned. This led to an outcry about the merits of VAR’s intervention, as it relied on determining whether Pope’s touch on the ball negated the foul.

Key Takeaways from the Incident:

1. Contact with the Ball: The VAR, Darren England, found that Pope had touched the ball first. This pivotal moment allowed for the decision to be overturned.
2. Judgment on the Challenge: The VAR had to decide if the nature of Pope’s attempt to win the ball constituted a foul. While a keeper can make contact with the ball, they can still be penalized for reckless challenges if they endanger opposing players.

This incident illustrates the delicate nature of VAR’s involvement. By identifying the goalkeeper’s touch, the VAR aimed to provide new perspectives to the on-field referee, thereby introducing the possibility of overturning the initial decision.

Analyzing Red Card Decisions: Brentford vs. Manchester United

Another contentious moment surfaced during the clash between Brentford and Manchester United, when Nathan Collins escaped a red card after pulling back Bryan Mbeumo. The referee issued only a yellow card, and VAR was consulted for potential denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO).

The VAR’s Review Process:

• Was it a Foul?: The VAR assessed whether Mbeumo was in a position to take a clear shot on goal at the time of the foul.
• Judgment on Control: Ultimately, the VAR concluded that Mbeumo did not have firm control over the ball at the moment of the challenge, hence refraining from recommending a red card.

This incident highlights how VAR scrutinizes the minutiae of play. The debate centers around whether Mbeumo’s control—or lack thereof—was significant enough to warrant harsher punishment for Collins. These interpretations spark disagreements regarding safety in the game versus the legalities presented by the rules.

Handball Decisions: Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

Handball has proven to be a persisting source of frustration for fans and players alike, as evidenced by Liverpool’s disallowed goal against Crystal Palace due to a handball by Mohamed Salah. The VAR examined the play meticulously but ultimately decided the goal would stand.

Factors Leading to the VAR Decision:

• Definitive Proof: The key issue was whether there was conclusive evidence that Salah’s arm made contact with the ball before he assisted the goal.
• Lack of Clear Contact: VAR determined they lacked sufficient footage to definitively rule that a handball occurred, allowing the goal to count.

This case underscores VAR’s reliance on definitive proof: if the evidence is inconclusive, the on-field decision largely remains unchallenged. This has left many comforted by the standards of proof but frustrated by seemingly ambiguous handball interpretations.

Conclusion: A Changing Landscape

Each week in the Premier League reveals new narratives built around VAR decisions. As the technology and guidelines evolve, so too does the framework for understanding these alterations in the game. The introduction of VAR may still be winding its way through the complexities of football’s intricate laws, but it’s clear that the discussions surrounding its implementation will persist. Each weekend of Premier League action not only entertains but also educates—providing fans with deep insights into how these pivotal moments are managed within the context of evolving game standards.