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Are you in favour of VAR in the Premier League?

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Mikel Arteta angered by VAR decision to overturn penalty as Arsenal slump to Everton defeat

An error from Bernd Leno saw Arsenal slip to defeat to Everton on an evening where home fans marched on the Emirates Stadium to protest against the club's owners

Mikel Arteta lamented another VAR decision that went against his side as Arsenal were denied a penalty via a contentious call during their 1-0 home defeat to Everton.

An error from Bernd Leno saw the Gunners slip to a frustrating loss on an evening where home fans marched on the Emirates Stadium to protest against the club's owners. The action on the pitch did not rival the pre-match protests, which included fireworks that were missing for large parts of the match itself.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the second period when Dani Ceballos went to ground after a challenge from Richarlison but the decision was overturned after a VAR check ruled Nicolas Pepe was offside in the build-up.

"This has been building up. Enough is enough. Today I have had enough," said an irate Arteta. "We've had many of them that nobody explains. It affects a lot of people, our job and most importantly our football club.

"What they [the match officials] do is behind the telephone. That's what I cannot understand.

"We were the better team but there are certain decisions that we can't control. To disallow a penalty 15 seconds before - [we had] eight or nine touches [after Nicolas Pepe was offside] - I saw it 10 times and I don't get it. It can be taken the way they want. Zero control. Somebody has to explain that.

"We were the better team. We lacked some clear-cut chances and the edge in the final third. They are very well organised but we conceded the goal in the wrong moment and we had the penalty but it wasn't given.

Thousands of Arsenal supporters amassed ahead of the Premier League fixture.

The relationship between fans and owner Stan Kroenke has been tumultuous in recent years but was worsened further still when the Gunners announced on Sunday they had signed up as one of the founding members of a breakaway European Super League.

The ill-will towards the new competition was so fierce that, just two days later, Arsenal - as well as fellow Premier League sides Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham - all withdrew from the plans.

But the original decision only exacerbated the call from supporters for Kroenke to sell, and they gathered outside the Emirates to call for change.

Supporters let off flares and held up anti-Kroenke banners - chanting for his removal and also singing songs which would usually be heard in the stands.

Arteta added: "We knew [the protest] was happening and we made a preparation with that in mind. It's not an excuse. I've spoken already about how important the supporters are and the role they play. The team is desperate for them to be back inside the stadium."

On whether he wanted to see VAR removed from the game, the Spaniard said: "I really like that we can make use of the technology but we need consistency, clarity and we really need to see their [VAR] faces and their responses. They need to be clear and the decisions need to be explained [after the game to the media]. We were the better side tonight, as we were against Fulham, but we've come away with just one point from two games.

"We didn't have the clear chances that we wanted. We then scored an own goal, and when we earned the right through a decision, it was then taken away. We knew this would be a crucial point in our season. To explain how we gave away five points in our last two games is pretty hard to describe. I've given a few reasons, but we have to find more. It is now very difficult mathematically to qualify for Europe through the league."

Everton left north London with all three points after Leno turned a Richarlison cross into his own goal to give the Toffees a 1-0 win, their first win in seven games across all competitions.

The result represents a major shot in the arm for the Merseysiders' quest to finish in the European places, with only three points now separating them and fourth-placed Chelsea.

"It was really important to stay attached to the top of the table," Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said. "The performance was good. It's all good news tonight and this gives us confidence for the next games.

"It [ending the 25-year wait for a win at Arsenal] is an unbelievable gift for our supporters. A good performance - not top, but solid. We tried to play if possible and we were lucky to score a goal.

"Arsenal played a good game and maybe they played better with the ball but defensively we were really solid. Finally I can say we are back. We had a difficult moment with lots of injuries but this victory gives us more motivation for the next games."

Is Arteta's anger justified?

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell told Sky Sports:

"Most of it [Arteta's annoyance in his post-match interview] is about his own team's performance. There's only so many times you can cover for the players. That was a poor performance.

"It doesn't fill me with any joy, with anything to do with positivity. For me, it's a lacklustre, lifeless performance but we've seen so many of them this season. Ten home defeats and it's looking bad.

"Now, you could say it is down to the manager, the buck stops with him and of course it does, but as a professional footballer, when you cross that white line, it's your job to perform. You have to have some aggression in your game - you're at home, there's something on the line for Arsenal and you put in a performance like that? No.

"There's not enough goals in the team, that's for sure. When Aubameyang is playing, that's when Arsenal tend to finish higher up the league because there's probably an extra eight to ten goals.

Sky Sports' Graeme Souness:

"Arsenal had no aggression and if you're a supporter, there was nothing to get you excited. I think when a manager comes on and all they can highlight is a penalty they should have had, which is never a penalty, if that's what you're hanging your hat on to get a result, that isn't good.

"I made the remark at half-time - what has happened to our game? There's the incident with the penalty [for Arsenal] that was never a penalty, the reaction of players to that, the reaction of two teams who had a lot to play for tonight and not really having any fire or aggression about them.

"Everyone I speak to wants to see more aggression in the game. It comes from within. It comes from not wanting to lose a tackle or a header and certainly not losing the game. Arsenal look like a group of players just going through the motions."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...rn-penalty-as-arsenal-slump-to-everton-defeat
 
�� "It's a decision made by somebody who's never played the game... I thought it was a rubbish decision."

David Moyes was livid with Chris Kavanagh's decision to send off Fabian Balbuena but conceded West Ham 'didn't play particularly well.'
 
What the Premier League can learn from VAR at Euro 2020 - by former referee Lee Probert

Lee Probert spent more than 20 years as a referee and took charge of the 2014 FA Cup final. He officiated in the Premier League from 2007 to 2019 and has recently been appointed director of referees at the United Arab Emirates Football Association.

Following praise for the refereeing at Euro 2020, in particular the use of the video assistant referee (VAR), Probert examines what the Premier League can learn from the tournament.

VAR is not for getting everything right

VAR was introduced in the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 season to review "clear and obvious errors" in four game-changing incidents: goals, penalties, straight red cards and mistaken identity. However, the technology has frustrated supporters, with complaints about inconsistencies in decision-making and the time taken for rulings to be made.

Having been in the Premier League and being trained on VAR for three years, I think it went to the stage where we were overanalysing stuff, looking for decisions to get everything right.

But VAR is not for getting everything right - it's that safety net.

I'm sure, like am I doing here in the UAE, with more training and understanding of VAR, everyone will understand we only use it for clear and obvious errors and not subjective calls. Once everyone agrees where you draw the line with regards to a clear and obvious error, we can all move on.

VAR is evolving, it's new. No system is perfect within one or two seasons and it will take time to gel.

I'm sure the English referees at Euro 2020, Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor, will give feedback to the Premier League, because, at the end of the day, it is about entertainment value. We don't need VAR interfering too much.

'Big-toe offsides' still likely to happen

The Premier League will use thicker lines when assessing offside calls next season in the hope of eliminating marginal calls that saw goals ruled out because a player's toe or armpit was deemed offside. Despite the changes, Probert still expects tight offside calls to cause frustration among supporters, but thinks the use of a dedicated offside VAR - like the ones used at Euro 2020 - could speed up decision-making.

Sadly, with offside, it's not subjective. You either are or you're not. OK, people might not like it if a big toe is offside, but it is a fact.

What you don't want is too many opinions, but if you have an assistant referee specialist for offsides, someone who can take that pressure away from you, I think that's a really good idea.

'VAR in the Euros is the benchmark'

The excellent way VAR has been used in the Euros is a great benchmark for everyone to follow.

Take the penalty awarded to France against Portugal for Nelson Semedo's foul on Kylian Mbappe. We may use the word 'soft', but it's not wrong.

The referee has given a foul in the penalty area because there is contact. Now, if I look at it on the screen and there's no contact then I can say so and overturn it. When there is contact, it's not wrong.

With regards to Raheem Sterling's penalty against Denmark, I think this is excellent use of VAR.

There was not enough evidence to say this was a clear and obvious error. This is a subjective call, which some people may say 'no that's not a pen' or 'yes, there's enough contact for a penalty'.

The same applies to Jorginho's tackle on Jack Grealish in the final. These are subjective calls. If the on-field referee shows a yellow or red card, VAR will check and I am sure would support either sanction.

The one occasion where VAR was perhaps not used correctly was during the Croatia-Czech Republic game, when Dejan Lovren was penalised for catching Patrik Schick in the face in the area.

The referee went to the monitor because there was an arm movement, but I'm not convinced that was a penalty.

Yes, he catches him on the nose, but there is no movement towards the arm or excessive force. That's opinion-based. The on-field referee has to take full responsibility. I don't think there was enough evidence to go to the review area.

Minimum intervention, maximum impact

There were 18 VAR corrections overall at Euro 2020 - 10 direct and eight after an on-field review - with 276 incidents checked in total, meaning 93.5% were correctly awarded on the pitch. Uefa Referees' Committee chairman Roberto Rosetti praised the officials' light-touch approach at the tournament.

Rosetti has gone for a clear message and set out a clear structure and plan. Every referee has known what he wanted and everyone has stuck to their guns.

Minimum intervention, maximum impact. Only get involved if you have clear evidence to say it is wrong. That's why the Euros have been so good.

If you look at the major decisions on the pitch there has been very little involvement. There have been lots of checks going on behind the scenes, but no real big interferences because they have stuck with the referee.

VAR is not here for 100% accuracy. It never was. It was to stop the howler.

'Player safety is paramount'

One of the most shocking incidents of the tournament was the on-pitch collapse of Denmark's Christian Eriksen during their opening group game against Finland. Premier League official Anthony Taylor was the referee in charge that day and widely praised for his rapid response.

That highlights how important it is for the match official to know what is happening around him. It's a massive occasion, but to see someone collapse and, within seconds, get the medical team on, that is a credit to anyone - not just Anthony, because player safety is paramount.

I've refereed Christian many a time - he is an absolute gent. Let's hope he can make a full recovery.

If you are on a football pitch and something like that happens, you have every source of medical staff on site. If that had been at home or on the street, who knows what would have happened.

What that does prove is, when it comes to player safety, every protocol to do with ambulances, medical staff, doctors and defibrillators needs to be in place. So credit to all the leagues and competitions for ensuring they are there for all matches.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57859833
 
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce tells BBC MOTD: "For me the big turning point was the penalty. We have looked at VAR all summer, looking at change and rightly so with the offside law, but I cannot understand why Martin [Atkinson] cannot just come and check the monitor rather than somebody 300 miles away. It looked harsh to me and those are big moments in the game. We have to admit we did not defend well enough.

"The goalkeeper made a good save from the penalty and you hope someone can back it up. Tomas Soucek is always looking for a goal.

"We got done on the counter while chasing the game, when we leave ourselves exposed it becomes very difficult for us.

"We always know we are going to be a threat, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the focal point of the team. We scored twice but conceded. We need that balance and conceded far too many last year, we have to tighten up and be better."
 
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and Southampton counterpart Ralph Hasenhuttl bemoaned key video assistant referee interventions after the Blues won 3-1 against their 10-man opponents at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea forward Timo Werner had a first-half header ruled out because of a foul in the build-up by Cesar Azpilicueta, while Saints had captain James Ward-Prowse sent off for a late challenge on Jorginho with the score at 1-1.

Both decisions were made after input from VAR Mike Dean - Werner's goal had been awarded by on-field official Martin Atkinson, who later chose only to book Ward-Prowse for his sliding tackle.

Hasenhuttl said he felt "relatively clear" Ward-Prowse would be sent off once Dean had instructed Atkinson to review the midfielder's challenge.

"It's always a little bit of a problem when we know Mike Dean is VAR because we have not had a good history with him to be honest," Hasenhuttl told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, the Saints boss added: "When you press high then you sometimes have situations like this when you are a bit late.

"[On] the red card from VAR Mike Dean, it is the third time he gave us a red card while I am here, but OK."

Ward-Prowse had drawn the visitors level from the penalty spot after 61 minutes, cancelling out Trevoh Chalobah's opener.

But winless Southampton could not hold out for a point following Ward-Prowse's dismissal with 13 minutes remaining, as Werner and Ben Chilwell struck in the final six minutes to send Chelsea top of the table.

Tuchel was relieved with the result but said he "could never believe" the decision to disallow Werner's first-half goal.

Azpilicueta was adjudged to have fouled Kyle Walker-Peters in regaining possession on the right before crossing into the box. Though Romelu Lukaku was unable to reach the initial ball, Werner found the net when Callum Hudson-Odoi sent it back in from the opposite side.

Atkinson viewed the pitchside monitor and Tuchel received a booking for his reaction to the resulting decision.

"I was very angry because I could never believe this could happen in the Premier League where you would go back to a 50-50 that wasn't even in close connection to the goal," Tuchel said.

"I understood before the season that we didn't want soft touches, that we wanted a contact game.

"We are here today in the middle of London in the rain in an intense game but the ref disallowed the goal."
 
Jurgen Klopp: Harry Kane tackle on Andrew Robertson 100 per cent red card | What is Paul Tierney's problem with me?

Jurgen Klopp and the Sky Sports pundits were left perplexed after Harry Kane's tackle was not upgraded to a red card before a later challenge saw Andrew Robertson sent off in Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Tottenham.

Robertson was on the receiving end of Kane's studs-up challenge in the first half, but after a quick check play continued with the Spurs striker receiving just a yellow card.

In a breathless match on Super Sunday, Robertson then put Liverpool 2-1 up in the second half, but just three minutes after Heung-Min Son's equaliser he saw red for kicking through Emerson Royal.

VAR instructed referee Paul Tierney to review Robertson's challenge, and Klopp could not understand why there was no intervention for the earlier tackle from Kane, which the Liverpool boss claimed could have been a leg-breaker.

Jurgen Klopp, who was shown a yellow card by Tierney in the first half for his protests, was left puzzled by the lack of VAR intervention, and inferred the referee may have an issue with him.

"I have no problems with referees - only you," Klopp was overheard saying to Tierney after the game.

The Liverpool boss told Sky Sports: "There were obviously many other things that were influential in this game, but some of these questions are better to ask Mr Tierney."

Asked if Kane's punishment should have been stronger, Klopp said: "Definitely, stronger. We can give Robbo a red card, it's not the smartest challenge of his life. But that's definitely a red card, no doubt about it. So we have a VAR sitting there, and he has a look again at the Robbo situation. Fine, that's what he's there for. What did he do in the Kane situation?

"And the penalty situation with Diogo Jota. Mr Tierney told me he thinks Diogo stops on purpose because he wants the foul. If you want to shoot you have to stop because you cannot run and shoot at the same moment. It is always helpful if you have played football yourself in the past. When you see the situation back, where is he stopping? I don't understand that.

"But it is OK, the draw is OK, we are not that crazy that we think we cannot draw at Spurs, but these are crucial, decisive situations. It's a great pass from Naby Keita and then someone finished the situation off in a not really football, legal way. And the ref and the VAR doesn't say a word. I really have no idea what is his problem with me. Honestly, I have no idea."

Klopp also said in his post-match press conference: "We can accept Robertson's sending off. This is the proof the VAR was there today, because before that we thought he might not be in his office. Because the two other situations, Harry Kane should have seen a red card and he didn't.

"It was a very quick decision from the referee, I'm not sure if he was prepared for it, how can you know that quick? Wow. That's obviously two wrong decisions of him, and one right [Robertson's red], all three against us.

"I have no idea why. You have to ask the VAR. That's an absolutely clear 100 per cent red card. Sometimes you cannot see it clearly or whatever, but in this situation, if Robertson's foot is still on the ground, his leg is broken. The ref saw it different."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ed-card-what-is-paul-tierneys-problem-with-me
 
The Spurs-Liverpool game today was truly one of the worst officiated, most inconsistent (in terms of refereeing) games I've seen in a while.

What is the purpose of VAR if not to correct these huge decisions that everyone and their dog can see is wrong?

The problem is not the system of VAR, rather the incompetence of the people in the truck looking at the same replays as the rest of us and inexplicably coming to the complete wrong conclusion.
 
Should this have been a penalty for Arsenal v MCI?

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<b>BBC: Arsenal 1-2 Man City: VAR 'inconsistency' criticised by Albert Stuivenberg & Aaron Ramsdale.</b>

While Manchester City carried their winning form into 2022, the equally familiar debate around VAR controversy also continued in the first game of the new year.

Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale called for more consistency in referees going to the pitchside monitor after the 2-1 defeat by league leaders City on Saturday.

The hosts thought referee Stuart Attwell should have viewed the monitor after Martin Odegaard went down in a challenge with City goalkeeper Ederson in the first half.

A check took place but Attwell was not told to consult the screen because VAR could not definitively say that Ederson did not get a touch on the ball.

Instead, Attwell stayed with the on-field decision and awarded a corner.

After waving away a foul by Granit Xhaka on Bernardo Silva after the break, Attwell was referred to the monitor and overturned his initial decision to award a penalty.

In this case, VAR felt that Xhaka stepping across Silva was enough to award a penalty and recommended the referee take another look.

Arsenal were more irked at what they felt was inconsistent use of the monitor rather than whether or not they should have had a penalty.

"It is a penalty but I am looking for consistency," Stuivenberg - standing in for Mike Arteta, who tested positive for Covid-19 - told Match of the Day about the Odegaard incident.

"We have VAR in place so why not check yourself as a referee? That did not happen so it is disappointing."

Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale said: "I am basing it on both penalties - the inconsistency of going to the screen, the referee might have ruled it out straight away when he looked at it.

"But it is the fact he went to look at it. Both in real time he said no penalty, but he only gets told to look at one. Theirs was soft but he gets told to look and has given it.

"I am at the other end of the pitch for our penalty shout. The goalkeeper comes out with his foot and he either catches him or the ball. The Bernardo one, he stood him up and it is got given.

"Penalties are penalties, but for us it is getting told to look at the screen."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said: "Bernardo Silva's is a penalty. With Martin Odegaard, I took a shower and came here so did not see it [on the replay]."

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman said Attwell got the big decisions right.

"I didn't think that was a penalty kick. I thought Ederson got just enough of the ball," he said on Final Score.

"And then the Bernardo Silva and and Xhaka coming together, I thought there was a clip of the knee, there was a shirt pull.

"Yes, he probably went down a little bit soft at the end, but it was enough to be a penalty."

— — —
 
Another strange intervention from VAR in the Man United-Aston Villa FA Cup tie today.

Cavani got quite weakly blocked off at a set piece allowing a Villa player free at the back post, who headed it across goal for Ings to put into the net, amid offside confusion regarding whether or not Watkins got a touch before Ings.

It seemed like VAR were searching for a reason to disallow it. They spent a good few minutes analysing each potential problem, back and forth, before finally sending the referee to the screen to watch the potential block of Cavani. Then the referee disallowed the goal giving the offside signal!

Totally bizarre. Regardless of if it was the right decision, the entire experience of waiting around 5 minutes while VAR is checking, only for it to be disallowed for a mysterious, unexplained reason is pretty bad.
 
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson believes he has achieved a footballing first by having two red cards rescinded in Brazil's 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

The 29-year-old was initially dismissed in the 25th minute after catching former West Ham striker Enner Valencia with a high boot.

But replays changed the referee's mind, before Alisson was similarly reprieved for a late foul on Ayrton Preciado.

"I think this was the first time this has happened," said Alisson.

"I am happy with the VAR, if it wasn't for the VAR we'd have been punished unfairly.

"I think my team-mates helped me a lot, they were incisive in their complaints to the referee. This shows once again the importance of using VAR in football."
 
Everton have written to the Premier League demanding an apology after a controversial handball decision in their 1-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Saturday's incident is part of a formal complaint to the Premier League over the standard of recent officiating.

Everton felt Rodri handled the ball in the penalty area but referee Paul Tierney did not award a spot-kick.

Video assistant referee Chris Kavanagh felt there was no obvious error so did not overturn the original decision.

It caused outrage at Goodison Park among Everton fans and manager Frank Lampard, who said his three-year-old daughter would have known his side should have had a penalty for handball.

"We've lost a point because of a professional who cannot do his job right. It is so incompetent to get it wrong," said Lampard.

Speaking on Monday, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola suggested that Everton should have had a penalty if there was no offside in the build-up to the incident.

"The pass of Dele Alli looks like offside to Richarlison. If it is not offside, it is a penalty," the Spaniard said.

A letter has been sent by Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale to the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters, and chief football officer Tony Scholes.

The defeat left Everton 17th in the Premier League table, one point above the relegation zone.

BBC
 
More dodgy VAR stuff today.

Man Utd could have had a man sent off but VAR was not used, and then when it came to Leicester scoring the winning goal, a very weak reason was used on VAR to rule that one out.

United very lucky.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Dean has admitted he made a mistake by not asking Anthony Taylor to review Cristian Romero’s hair pull on Marc Cucurella! <a href="https://t.co/VyxnzFTji4">pic.twitter.com/VyxnzFTji4</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1560319264162185217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
It was a day of managers disagreeing over the correct use of the video assistant referee as several Premier League games threw up controversial decisions on Saturday.

West Ham were denied a 90th-minute equaliser when Maxwel Cornet's effort was ruled out after Jarrod Bowen was judged to have fouled Edouard Mendy in the build-up - a decision David Moyes called "scandalous".

Elsewhere, Newcastle saw what Eddie Howe called a "perfectly good goal" chalked off and Leeds boss Jesse Marsch was sent off for his reaction to two penalty decisions that did not go his side's way in a defeat by Brentford.

"Players and managers have been let down today, it's been a terrible day - they have been let down by decisions like that," said Alan Shearer on Match of the Day.

Former top-flight manager Tony Pulis said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's not VAR - let me get this correct. VAR just records the TV footage, it's the people who are running VAR.

"It's those human beings who are making the decisions. It's the referees stuck in that office, wherever they are, making the decisions."

There was one instance, however, of a referee being told to consult the pitchside monitor and sticking with their on-field decision.

That came at Nottingham Forest, where Michael Oliver awarded a penalty for handball and - five minutes later - it was scored by Brennan Johnson.

"Well done Michael Oliver, at last a referee has had the guts to say 'I am sticking with my decision'," said Shearer. "Don't be surprised to see more of that in the coming weeks because he is the first to do it."

Newcastle and Crystal Palace drew 0-0 at St James' Park but only after the hosts had a goal disallowed.

Tyrick Mitchell turned the ball into his own net and referee Michael Salisbury ruled it out for a foul by Joe Willock on goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, though Newcastle felt the midfielder was himself pushed by Mitchell.

"I didn't think it should have been disallowed, personally, I thought it was a foul or a push on Joe Willock in the build-up to the ball coming in," said Howe.

"Joe's momentum is fixed at that point from his opponent, it then carries him into the goalkeeper. But without that push, there's no way that Joe would have gone in with that force.

"If anything, it's a penalty if it's not a goal, so I was very surprised with the outcome."

Palace boss Patrick Vieira disagreed: "It was a clear foul and if it wasn't the keeper gets the ball in his hands. The referee makes the right decision."

Shearer said: "It is shocking, abysmal, disgraceful - Willock is going to head that ball, so Mitchell shoves him - Michael Salisbury gets it right, it is Lee Mason [VAR official] who somehow bizarrely tells him 'you have made a howler'."

Shearer said that the referee was then not shown the best angle of the incident.

"Lee Mason is the one to blame because it is an inexperienced referee," added Shearer. "At this level you have got to get that decision right, he has had no help from VAR. Far too many errors, VAR is not the problem, it is the people who are running it."

BBC
 
The Premier League is to review the operation of VAR with referees' organisation PGMOL as a matter of priority.
 
MenInG said:
The Premier League is to review the operation of VAR with referees' organisation PGMOL as a matter of priority.
Click to expand...

I don’t know if it works as well in footy, there are pros and cons to it, too much balance, the ref’s need better training
 
West Ham forward Michail Antonio says the video assistant referee (VAR) system needs to be "binned".

The Hammers were controversially denied a 90th-minute equaliser at Chelsea on Saturday after VAR intervened.

Referees' body PGMOL effectively accepted that decision - and a second VAR call at Newcastle United v Crystal Palace - was wrong.

"It was a madness, that's what I am going to call it. An actual madness," said Antonio.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Footballer's Football Podcast on BBC Sounds, he added: "I have said this many times. It needs to be binned."

The PGMOL said it will fully co-operate with a Premier League review of last weekend's incidents.

The system is in its fourth full Premier League season after it was introduced in 2019. The Premier League claimed the percentage of correct "key match decisions" rose from 82% without it to 94% in that first season.

The purpose is for the VAR to flag "clear and obvious errors" or "serious missed incidents" to advise the on-field referee.

It is only used for goals, penalty decisions, straight red cards or mistaken identity - and there is a "high bar" for intervention "to maintain the pace and intensity of matches".

Maxwell Cornet thought he levelled at 2-2 for West Ham at Stamford Bridge but, after being told to look at the monitor by VAR, referee Andrew Madley decided there was a foul on keeper Edouard Mendy by Jarrod Bowen and reversed his decision to award a goal.

West Ham manager David Moyes called the decision to disallow his side's goal as "scandalous".

"As a player we all knew it [the incident] was nothing," said Antonio.

"It is all about opinions - about the referee's opinion, about the fourth official's opinion and about the opinion of whoever is watching," added Antonio.

"If the referee makes a decision, then there is another person who goes 'that might not be the right decision'. He goes to the referee 'you might have to have another look at that'.

"He is putting doubt in the referee's mind when he is already sure about the decision he has made.

"He goes over and watches [on the monitor] but because someone has already said to him you might have got that wrong - it has clouded his mind already.

"The person who is meant to make a decision, who is quite sure of his decision, believes his decision is right, has now got that doubt and feels he needs to change - or if he doesn't change [wonders] if he is going to get into trouble because another referee has told him to change.

"It is taking the passion away from football because you don't know if you have scored or not - it is pointless.

"You are spending all this money on VAR for things to still go wrong."

At Newcastle, Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell turned the ball into his own net only for referee Michael Salisbury to eventually rule the goal out for a foul by Joe Willock on goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, following VAR intervention.

Newcastle felt midfielder Willock was himself pushed by Mitchell into Guaita.

The game ended 0-0 and Magpies striker Callum Wilson told the Footballer's Football Podcast: "VAR had a bad weekend.

"Ultimately, it's making the game a little bit more messy than it needs to be. Technology for things that they are getting wrong like offsides, bring VAR in - it's good for that. But, when you are denying a goal for a little tug or the ball hits your arm and then all of a sudden it flies in, it's crazy.

"We should only be using VAR for decisions that are blatant and obvious.

"It's no good apologising on the Monday because you've got the decision wrong on the Saturday. That's cost us two points. Come the end of the season, two points could be the difference between a team staying up and going down."

He added: "It's not going to go away. I can't see them getting rid of it at all so we've just got to learn to live with it but use it properly."

BBC
 
From dancing on the touchline to shouting in despair, Antonio Conte went through an emotionally charged finish to Tottenham's Champions League game with Sporting Lisbon.

The Italian had been celebrating what he thought was a dramatic injury-time winner by Harry Kane, one that would have sent his side through to the last 16.

But the celebrations were halted as the referee consulted the video assistant referee and, after a lengthy wait, the goal was ruled out for offside.

A furious Conte was sent off as he reacted. Instead of winning 2-1, Spurs drew 1-1.

It could be a huge moment in Tottenham's Champions League campaign - they must now go to Marseille next week and avoid defeat if they are to progress.

"This decision creates a big damage, I hope the club understands this," said a fuming Conte after the game. "I think the club has to be strong. I repeat that this situation creates a big damage."

BBC
 
Tottenham 1-1 Sporting Lisbon: Antonio Conte furious at 'unfair' VAR decision

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says it should be impossible for mistakes like the one he claims happened this week to be made by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Conte was sent off after a goal in stoppage by Harry Kane in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Sporting Lisbon was ruled out for offside.

Had Kane's goal been allowed Tottenham would have qualified for the last 16.

"What happened in the last game was incredible," Conte said on Friday.

"You score, you are already qualified for the next round, you are celebrating and then you have to stay for five minutes to look at the situation with VAR and you take the decision and you don't know if it's right or wrong.

"For me it's impossible to make a wrong [decision] with VAR and also to [take] four, five or six minutes [to make it].

"To stay there five or six minutes already means you have confusion in your mind. It's incredible."

Conte furious as VAR rules out late winner
After the game on Wednesday, Conte was so emotional that his post-match news conference ended after one question.

On Friday, the Italian did not hold back as he accused VAR of taking emotion out of the game and joked he could make better decisions from his own home.

"This is not football in this way also because you cut the emotion, the emotion of everybody and especially the players because you don't know," added Conte.

"You score a goal and you don't know what happens later. Did someone commit a foul one minute before? Or discover a foul one minute before and then they go to disallow this?

"It happened but it only happened when they want it to happen. This is the difference.

"But when I stay at home and I see the image, I am watching another game and I see the image, the VAR, then for me it is easy to take the best decision."

Tottenham, who are third in the table, visit Bournemouth on Saturday (15:00 BST) looking to return to winning ways after three matches without a win in all competitions.

They visit Marseille on Tuesday (20:00 GMT) for their sixth and final Group D game in the Champions League. Tottenham will go through to the last 16 if they avoid defeat.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been fined £20,000 by the Football Association after admitting they failed to ensure their players conducted in an orderly fashion during last Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Newcastle.

The flashpoint came in the 31st minute after a Callum Wilson goal was awarded following a lengthy VAR check for a foul and handball.

BBC
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The offside call released by VAR. <a href="https://t.co/ibdL5opzhw">pic.twitter.com/ibdL5opzhw</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1594364418254671877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

An interesting start to the World Cup opener.
 
Were Ghana unfairly punished by a penalty decision in the match against Portugal?

FiWX4IlXkAMfGuL
 
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Premier League: VAR has made six incorrect interventions this season with 42 deemed correct

Premier League video assistant referees have made six incorrect interventions this season, while 42 have been deemed correct by the Key Match Incident panel.

ESPN have reported one of the six mistakes includes the disallowed goal by Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal's defeat at Manchester United in September.

Arsenal were denied a 12th-minute opener by VAR after referee Paul Tierney used the pitchside monitor to disallow the Brazil forward's goal for a foul on Christian Eriksen by Martin Odegaard in the build-up to the goal.

As part of a higher threshold approach, the independent panel also concluded there had been six missed VAR interventions from the wider pool of decision-making during the first 16 match rounds - 160 matches - of all KMI incidents so far.

It is hoped fewer mistakes will be made with the arrival of Howard Webb, who has started his role as chief refereeing officer at the PGMOL and is set to meet key personnel at Premier League and English Football League clubs in the new year.

Webb, who refereed the World Cup final in 2010, is set to bring a greater level of transparency to the PGMOL after the 51-year-old received praise for the way in which VAR was used under his watch in the MLS.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...erventions-this-season-with-42-deemed-correct
 
Decisions made by the Video Assistant Referee are set to be explained to television viewers and those in the stadium at next month's Club World Cup.

International Football Association Board (Ifab) says if the trial in Morocco is a success then it could be rolled out at other Fifa competitions.

That could include this summer's Women's World Cup.

Meanwhile, a temporary concussion substitute trial in the Premier League next season has been ruled out.

It was discussed when Ifab met at Wembley on Wednesday following a request from world players' union Fifpro and the World Leagues Forum to test the protocol in the English top flight, Ligue 1 in France and Major League Soccer in the United States.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64322063
 
Chelsea boss Graham Potter says West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek made a "good save" as the Blues were denied a late penalty in a frustrating 1-1 draw.

Referee Craig Pawson waved play on after Conor Gallagher's 89th-minute shot clearly struck Soucek's hand, with VAR making no decision on the incident.

"I thought it was a good save," said Potter, whose side have won one game of their last seven league games.

"It looks like one of those ones that if it had been given I don't think it would have been overturned."

A message on Chelsea's Twitter feed, which got tens of thousands of likes, said: "Soucek makes a great save from Conor Gallagher."

Potter added: "It looks like a handball to me.

"I didn't know Tomas could get down that easily and save like that. But it's not for me to say about VAR.

"Sometimes they go for you and sometimes they don't, you just have to accept that."

Former England defender Danny Murphy said the decision was "absolutely ludicrous".

"I am lost for words at the incompetence of the people doing VAR," he added.
 
VAR has made things much more interesting.

In the past, referees seemed biased toward big teams. VAR has been good for weaker teams.
 
2 huge VAR mess ups in one day, Soucek clear handball and overlooked offside

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Exc: VAR Lee Mason forgot to draw offside lines on Ivan Toney's equaliser in a mistake that could have a huge impact on Arsenal's title hopes.<br><br>Christian Norgaard was offside. Had the lines been drawn, the goal would have been disallowed.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFC</a><a href="https://t.co/V2woDadQpF">https://t.co/V2woDadQpF</a></p>— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSharpeEnd/status/1624537708587634690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

1.jpg
 
Firebat said:
2 huge VAR mess ups in one day, Soucek clear handball and overlooked offside

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Exc: VAR Lee Mason forgot to draw offside lines on Ivan Toney's equaliser in a mistake that could have a huge impact on Arsenal's title hopes.<br><br>Christian Norgaard was offside. Had the lines been drawn, the goal would have been disallowed.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFC</a><a href="https://t.co/V2woDadQpF">https://t.co/V2woDadQpF</a></p>— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSharpeEnd/status/1624537708587634690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

View attachment 118637
Click to expand...

Wow!

That's a big miss. How can referees miss this with VAR?
 
Brighton had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside because of a human error by the VAR operator in their Premier League draw at Crystal Palace.

---------------------------------------

Make that 3 errors in 1 day! Even with the best technology, every possible camera angle, 4K resolution and ultra slow motion, the incompetence of English referees will always prevail.
 
Firebat said:
Brighton had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside because of a human error by the VAR operator in their Premier League draw at Crystal Palace.

---------------------------------------

Make that 3 errors in 1 day! Even with the best technology, every possible camera angle, 4K resolution and ultra slow motion, the incompetence of English referees will always prevail.
Click to expand...

Shocking.

VAR decisions were pretty good during last World Cup. Very few errors.
 
sweep_shot said:
Shocking.

VAR decisions were pretty good during last World Cup. Very few errors.
Click to expand...

Yep. Teach an English referee to fish and he'll starve the next day. The problem isn't the fishing rod.
 
The PGMOL have admitted that it was 'human error' which lead to VAR not fully investigating an offside call for Brentford's equaliser against Arsenal.
 
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has claimed Lee Mason deserves to be sacked after his blunder during Arsenal vs Brentford.

Mason is facing intense scrutiny over his position as a dedicated VAR after he failed to sufficiently investigate the controversial Bees equaliser. Arsenal had taken the lead through Leandro Trossard, before Ivan Toney nodded home following a scramble less than 10 minutes later.

But replays showed that Christian Norgaard was in an offside position when he headed the ball back across for Toney to score. The goal was allowed to stand despite an arduous VAR check which lasted more than three minutes.

Much of the investigation was focused on whether Ethan Pinnock was offside in the first phase from the free-kick, with Mason then neglecting to draw lines for the crucial assist. Mikel Arteta hit out at the decision and said he expected an apology from the Professional Games Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the group tasked with officiating top-flight matches.

“I just looked back and it is offside,” said Arteta. “They will probably give an explanation later in the week but today we have not got one.”

And Hackett, who refereed in the top-flight for almost 20 years has urged new PGMOL chief Howard Webb to axe Mason. He said: “Howard Webb is now in charge of the PGMOL. One of the first things he should do is dismiss permanent VAR operator Lee Mason.

Read more at

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/foo...sedgntp&cvid=dc30d3d3a673499c84b732aef6e5ac79
 
The referees’ chief, Howard Webb, has called a meeting of Premier League officials for Tuesday after two high-profile offside errors at the weekend.

The refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said on Sunday that Webb had contacted Arsenal and Brighton to acknowledge and explain “significant errors” in the VAR process during their matches on Saturday which were “due to human error”.

The VAR Lee Mason failed to check an offside in the buildup to Ivan Toney’s equaliser for Brentford against Arsenal, and Brighton had a goal by Pervis Estupiñán ruled out for offside because the lines were drawn from the wrong Crystal Palace player.

In response, Webb called the meeting of top-flight officials at Stockley Park. Appointments for the next round of Premier League games are set to be confirmed at midday on Tuesday.

PGMOL has not commented on whether Mason will be involved. He was not selected earlier this season after another high-profile error, when he disallowed a goal for Newcastle at home to Crystal Palace on 3 September.

Webb’s impact since his return to the English game at the end of last year after a stint managing referees in the United States has largely been well received. He presented to clubs at Friday’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting and has raised the bar for VAR intervention on subjective decisions so that only clear and obvious errors are being reviewed.

On Tuesday Webb wants to identify the issues from the weekend, reflect on them and review them. He is keen to ensure officials have the correct support and coaching. VARs have dedicated assistance from the former rugby league referee Phil Bentham.

The Guardian
 
Video Assistant Referee Lee Mason has left the officials' body PGMOL and will no longer work on Premier League games, following his high-profile error in Arsenal's draw with Brentford.

PGMOL confirmed on Friday evening that Mason had left the organisation by mutual consent.

Mason had worked as a Premier League referee for 15 years and oversaw 287 top-flight matches during that time, with his last coming during the closing stages of the 2021/22 season. His full career in the professional game saw the 51-year-old officiate in over 500 fixtures after he progressed to the Football League in 1998.

A PGMOL statement said: "We would like to thank Lee for his dedicated service to the professional game and wish him all the best for the future."
 
The PGMOL has admitted a mistake was made by the match officials and VAR when not awarding a penalty to Brighton in Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham.

Howard Webb, PGMOL's chief refereeing officer, has apologised to Brighton and held talks with them about the decision making process in the game.

It is the third apology the club have been given by PGMOL this season for decisions made on the field.

The scores were level at 1-1 when Kaoru Mitoma appeared to be fouled by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the area, with referee Stuart Attwell initially declining to penalise the Tottenham midfielder.

The footage was looked at quickly by VAR Michael Salisbury at Stockley Park, before play resumed with no spot-kick being awarded.

It was one of three strong penalty claims by Brighton - none of which were awarded to the visitors.

Tottenham went on to win the feisty encounter - which saw both Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham interim boss Cristian Stellini sent off - 2-1 to keep themselves within three points of the top four.

Defeat for Brighton saw them drop down to seventh, 10 points off fourth-placed Manchester United.

SKY
 
Mike Dean declined to use VAR to save 'mate' and fellow referee Anthony Taylor from 'grief'

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean failed to correct a mistake in a match to save his friend and fellow official Anthony Taylor from extra "grief".

Dean was the video assistant referee (VAR) for Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August 2022.

Just before a late Harry Kane equaliser Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty after Cristian Romero pulled Marc Cucurella's hair.

Dean acknowledged a "really bad call" not sending Taylor to review it.

"I missed the stupid hair pull at Chelsea versus Tottenham which was pathetic from my point of view," Dean told Simon Jordan's Up Front podcast.

"It's one of them where if I had my time again, what would I do? I'd send Anthony [Taylor] to the screen. I think I knew if I did send him to the screen… he's cautioned both managers, he's had a hell of a game, it's been such a tough game end to end.

"I said to Anthony afterwards: 'I just didn't want to send you to the screen after what has gone on in the game'.

"I didn't want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee and I think I didn't want to send him up because I didn't want any more grief than he already had."

Dean became a dedicated Premier League VAR last season after hanging up his whistle at the end of the 2021-22 campaign after referring over 550 matches in the top flight.

He was stood down from VAR duty for two months after the Stamford Bridge incident.
 
Every offside ruling which lead to a goal should be referred to VAR, otherwise what is the point?

Since Howard Webb has taken over this season, VAR has become a joke.

Refs are thinking they are as important as the players and teams.

An investigation should be launched.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Every offside ruling which lead to a goal should be referred to VAR, otherwise what is the point?

Since Howard Webb has taken over this season, VAR has become a joke.

Refs are thinking they are as important as the players and teams.

An investigation should be launched.
Click to expand...
Refs that made tonight's poor decision should be sacked and Webb should resign
 
The technology is great. The problem is with those operating it i.e. human error because the PL refs are the most incompetent in Europe (and perhaps corrupt as well).
 
topspin said:
The technology is great. The problem is with those operating it i.e. human error because the PL refs are the most incompetent in Europe (and perhaps corrupt as well).
Click to expand...
Defo starting to look like corruption.

G Neville said that they heard the convo on VAR check and said the referee said check complete within a few seconds. Which Is an utter disgrace and shows referee ain't doing job right
 
Firebat said:
I didn't catch the game - did this really happen? That is a job losing offence, totally unacceptable.
Click to expand...
Yep one of worst decisions ever. I hate Liverpool but this was unacceptable from FA today
 
1696144214134.png
PGMOL's statement about the recent goal controversy. Satisfied with this ?
 
The first red card was not a red card... I maintain that.
The ref was shown a photo that made it look far worse than it actually was.

The Jyota first yellow card was a complete joke.

The Diaz disallowed goal was a farce.

How can any of this be allowed?
Disgusting that Livperpool were denied at least a draw if not a victory due to pathetic umpiring and VAR.

I'm still fuming over this
 
IMMY69 said:
The first red card was not a red card... I maintain that.
The ref was shown a photo that made it look far worse than it actually was.

The Jyota first yellow card was a complete joke.

The Diaz disallowed goal was a farce.

How can any of this be allowed?
Disgusting that Livperpool were denied at least a draw if not a victory due to pathetic umpiring and VAR.

I'm still fuming over this
Click to expand...

All of this but Spurs just won via a last second own goal.

Liverpool fans are in uproar, as you point out a number of huge howlers. I think teams have live monitors on the bench and have the technology to use as VAR has. They then should have a review where an independent ref (agreed by both sides) is used to judge the review of the match officials.

These decisions could have huge impact on the club, players careers etc.

Another howler today, Brentford didn't get a penalty for the foul on Wissa from keeper. He missed the ball completely and kicked the player but no pen lol.
 
Darren England has been replaced as the fourth official for Sunday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Brentford after his error as the video assistant referee during Liverpool's defeat at Tottenham.

England failed to overturn an incorrect decision on the pitch to disallow a Luis Diaz goal for offside as the Reds were beaten 2-1 on Saturday.

Dan Cook was assistant VAR for the game and he has been replaced as assistant referee for the game between Fulham and Chelsea on Monday.

"Craig Pawson will now assume England's duties as fourth official at the City Ground while Eddie Smart will take over from Cook as assistant referee at Craven Cottage," said referees' body PGMOL.

Cook, England and Michael Oliver, who was the fourth official at Spurs, were also part of a match officiating team in charge of a league game in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

The Football Association had approved the trip and the trio arrived back in London on Friday to prepare for Saturday's game.


BBC
 
The English refs also look unfit, overweight and slow.

But I think its more to do with their arrogance and lack of understanding of football at times.
 
KingKhanWC said:
But I think its more to do with their arrogance and lack of understanding of football at times.
Click to expand...
The refs that are making these awful decisions on the pitch are in the VAR booth the next week making more. And the arrogance of an English ref when a player has the audacity to question the worst decision you've ever seen is hilarious.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1708355440881324072
 
Liverpool: Jamie Carragher says situation surrounding VAR 'at crisis point'

The situation surrounding the video assistant referee "is at crisis point" following Luis Diaz's disallowed goal on Saturday, says Jamie Carragher.

VAR failed to intervene when Diaz was wrongly flagged for offside with the game goalless between Liverpool and Tottenham in the first half.

PGMOL, the governing body for referees, said the incorrect decision was down to "a significant human error".

"I don't think the feeling around VAR has ever been lower," said Carragher.

Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were also sent off during the controversial match as Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by Spurs after Joel Matip's own goal deep into stoppage time.

The club are to appeal against the red card given to Jones for fouling Yves Bissouma after 26 minutes following a VAR intervention.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former Reds defender Carragher added: "I do feel as if this is almost like a crisis point for VAR in this country.

"It is not just on the back of this decision, it is what has been happening all season, like when there was a situation with Wolves against Manchester United.

"I don't want to pile on to an official or [referees' chief] Howard Webb - I could imagine they feel absolutely awful the last couple of days.

"I am not into the conspiracy theories, that this one favours that team or another - no-one gains anything from this in terms of the officials.

"We have all been there in our jobs and made mistakes, so I feel for them.

"But it is a horrendous mistake that is unprecedented, and you can't actually quite believe the explanation that has been given."

www.bbc.co.uk

Situation with VAR 'at crisis point' - Carragher

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says the situation surrounding the video assistant referee "is at crisis point" after Luis Diaz's disallowed goal in the defeat at Tottenham.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
 
The video assistant referee officials involved in wrongly disallowing a goal for Liverpool at Tottenham have not been selected for this weekend's Premier League games.

Darren England and assistant Dan Cook did not overrule on Saturday when Luis Diaz was wrongly flagged offside.

The Reds made a formal request on Monday to PGMOL to be sent the audio recordings between the match officials.

BBC Sport understands the club have now received them from the referees' body.

The audio around the controversial decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be made public by PGMOL.

Liverpool will take the necessary time to review the recordings to better understand how the breakdown in communication happened.

The on-field referee from Saturday's game, Simon Hooper, will be the VAR official for Bournemouth's trip to Everton.

Michael Oliver, who was the fourth official, will feature in two games.

Oliver will be VAR official for Luton's game against Tottenham on Saturday, before taking charge on the field for Arsenal's game against Manchester City on Sunday.

England and Cook were stood down from duty for the rest of last weekend because of the mistake at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, described by referees' governing body PGMOL's as a significant human error.

Liverpool, who went down to a 2-1 defeat, criticized PGMOL's response to the controversial incident, saying the explanation was unacceptable and sporting integrity has been undermined.

Source: BBC
 
Liverpool v Spurs VAR: PGMOL releases controversial audio of Luis Diaz's disallowed goal

The audio recordings of discussions between the match officials around Luis Diaz's disallowed goal against Tottenham have been made public.

Liverpool asked the Premier League for the audio after the controversy in the first half of their 2-1 defeat.

Video assistant referee Darren England did not overrule when Liverpool's Diaz was wrongly flagged offside.

In the audio, England says the check is "perfect" before swearing when he realises a mistake has been made.

Following the incident in Saturday's Premier League game, Liverpool said "sporting integrity has been undermined".

In a statement on Sunday, the club said they will "explore the range of options available given the clear need for escalation and resolution".

PGMOL, the governing body for referees, has said the decision to disallow the goal was "a significant human error".

"In a lapse of concentration and loss of focus in that moment, the VAR lost sight of the on field decision and he incorrectly communicated "check complete", therefore inadvertently confirming the on-field decision," added PGMOL in a statement accompanying the release of the audio on Tuesday.

"He did this without any dialogue with the Assistant VAR (AVAR). The match then restarted immediately.

"After a few seconds, the Replay Operator and then the AVAR queried the check-complete outcome with the VAR and asked him to review the image that had been created, pointing out that the original on-field decision had been offside, but this was not communicated to the on-field team at any point during the match.

"The VAR team then gave consideration as to whether the game could be stopped at that point.

"However, the VAR and AVAR concluded that the VAR protocol within the Laws of the Game would not permit that to happen, and they decided intervention was not possible as play had restarted."


BBC
 
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants the Premier League game against Tottenham to be replayed after Luis Diaz's goal was wrongly disallowed by the video assistant referee.

VAR Darren England and assistant Dan Cook did not overrule when Diaz was flagged offside at 0-0 on Saturday.

Liverpool lost 2-1 thanks to a 96th-minute own goal from Joel Matip.

Something like this never happened, so that is why I think a replay is the right thing to do,said Klopp.

BBC Sport understands there is no prospect of the Premier League considering a replay and it is unclear whether there has been a formal request from Liverpool.

Asked whether the club had asked or would ask the Premier League for a replay, Klopp said: At this stage we are still going through the information we have.

Referees' body PGMOL released the audio of discussions between the match officials over the offside on Tuesday.

In the audio, England says the check is perfect before swearing when he realises a mistake has been made.

Klopp said: The audio didn't change it at all. It is an obvious mistake. There should be solutions for that. The outcome should be a replay. But it probably won't happen. The argument against that would be it opens the gates. It is unprecedented. I'm used to wrong and difficult decisions, but something like this never happened.

After releasing the audio, PGMOL said the error was a result of a lapse of concentration and loss of focus.

The controversy has prompted a debate about the use and efficacy of VAR.

Although Klopp said the mistake was not made on purpose, he added: These things should not happen. Other mistakes should not happen. Find a solution to deal with it.

Source: BBC
 
"I think the only outcome should be a replay... Something like that has never happened."

Jurgen Klopp discusses the VAR audio that has been released since Liverpool's incorrectly disallowed goal against Tottenham
 
England boss Gareth Southgate criticises impact of VAR on fans at games

England manager Gareth Southgate has criticised the video assistant referee system for the negative impact it has on match-going fans.

The VAR officials failed to change the decision when Liverpool's Luis Diaz had a goal wrongly flagged for offside in a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham last Saturday.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has since called for the game to be replayed.

"I was always brought up as a kid that the referee's decision was final," said Southgate.

"You might agree or disagree but we have to get on with it."

Southgate explained why he feels a lack of enthusiasm for VAR on the day he announced his England squad for games against Australia and Italy.

He nevertheless accepts football is "unlikely to go back to a world where we don't have technology as part of that decision-making process".

Elaborating on his feelings towards VAR, Southgate added: "All I would say is everybody used to go to the pub and moan about the ref and they still go to the pub and moan about the ref.

"So I'm not sure what we've resolved, really.

"When I am at games I am always conscious that the only people who don't know what is going on are the people who have paid to go. I find that really difficult.

"I am sitting in the stadium next to people and I am lucky as I normally get a free ticket and other people pay a lot of money and haven't got a clue or are on the phone to someone at home asking what's going on.

"The frustration, you can feel it in the stadium, you can feel the view.

"I know if we didn't have it people would go back to, 'well this could be resolved', but when I am in the stadiums my sense is they don't necessarily want 14 minutes of added time or a decision by something that they are not totally across the process of."

www.bbc.co.uk

Southgate feels fans' pain over VAR impact

England manager Gareth Southgate points to the VAR experience being negative for match-going fans.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
 
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou would like to banish the video assistant referee system "in its current form".

Spurs benefited from VAR officials failing to overturn a wrongly flagged offside decision when Luis Diaz scored for Liverpool with their match at 0-0.

Postecoglou's side won last Saturday's game 2-1 after an injury-time own goal.

Asked whether he would get rid of VAR, the Spurs manager said: "I would, in its current form. I just don't think that technology's ready for our game."

From this weekend, PGMOL said VARs will confirm the outcome of any decisions with their assistant VARs before notifying the on-field officials to prevent a repeat mistake.

"I've got absolutely zero against goalline technology, that's a no-brainer because that's quite significant, but it works for our game," added Postecoglou.

"I just think our game is unique and I know people say, 'well, let's get referees explaining their decisions'. Oh my God. Seriously? Could you imagine sitting there listening to a referee explain every decision on the game."

Postecoglou drew a comparison between refereeing in football and how NFL officials communicate, and how long that can take.

"I'm going to the gridiron on Sunday, I love it, I love American football," he said. "It's three and a half hours mate. Do you want to sit through three and a half hours of listening?

"I just think with VAR at the moment, we think it's going to eliminate [errors] and the more we use it, I think the worse it's going to get.

"It was there for the clear and obvious error. It seems like everything now. Yellow cards, fouls, corners, everything's getting scrutinised. It's not our game.

"We're not rugby, we don't have those stoppages. What I always loved about England was the frenetic pace of football.

"Why are we trying to take that out? Now, I think part of the consequence of last week was that none of us liked it when they were taking so long to make a decision and it sounded like last week they were rushing into a decision.

"That suggests to me that I don't think the technology in its current form is suitable to our game, but I know I will be in a minority with that and my role within that is to accept that whatever my feelings are on it, ultimately, there's still going to be an arbitrator of decisions."




www.bbc.com

Postecoglou would ditch VAR system 'in current form'

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says he would dispose of the video assistant referee system "in its current form".
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Premier League: Referees' chief Howard Webb says 'steps taken' to avoid repeat of Luis Diaz VAR error

Referees' chief Howard Webb says steps have been taken to avoid a repeat of the controversy surrounding Luis Diaz's disallowed goal for Liverpool against Tottenham.

Video assistant referee (VAR) Darren England did not overrule when Diaz was wrongly flagged offside last month.

Liverpool lost the game 2-1.

"We've put quite a lot of steps in place to ensure the error that we saw doesn't happen again," Webb told Match Officials: Mic'd Up.

In audio recordings of discussions between the match officials made public by referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), England says the check is "perfect" before swearing when he realises a mistake has been made.

Webb said VAR had "fallen short" on this occasion and the PGMOL needed to act, with new VAR communication guidelines being applied since then.

"One of things this brought into sharp focus is the need to reiterate some of those communication protocols which are really valuable in VAR to prevent this type of thing happening," added Webb on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

"We got all of the officials together, we spoke through the need to go through that process very diligently.

"We're really disappointed for the game, we're disappointed for our reputation.

"We worked hard over the subsequent days to have a look at what we needed to do to put in place those safeguards around the communication to avoid that sort of thing happening again."

Webb said small changes to VAR could be made by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) - the body that determines the laws of the game - in the near future.

"I know that Ifab, in fact before this situation even happened, I knew that they were going to do a full review of the laws of the game relating to the use of VAR," he added.

www.bbc.co.uk

Steps taken to avoid repeat of Diaz VAR error - Webb

Referees' chief Howard Webb says steps have been taken to avoid a repeat of the controversy surrounding Luis Diaz's disallowed goal for Liverpool in their defeat at Tottenham.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
 
Euro 2024 qualifying: VAR confusion reigns as Scotland lose in Seville

The two giant screens inside Seville's Estadio de La Cartuja, a pair of roja harbingers of doom, flashed up 'VAR check in progress'.

Beneath one of them, a navy blue sea of bobbing arms and swinging legs shuddered to a bone-trembling halt as they gazed upwards. First to the screen, then to the heavens.

Seconds earlier, Scott McTominay's sensational whipped free-kick looked to have the Scots 1-0 up with half an hour to play in Spain. Half an hour from the European Championships. Half an hour from history.

Yet, referee Serdar Gozubuyuk and his VAR team had other ideas. As soon as the Dutch official trotted to the pitchside monitor, Scotland's luck, which had been wielded with some sorcery all evening, eventually deserted them.

Confusion reigned in the immediate melee, and even in the aftermath there appeared to be little clarity as to why the goal, which was then followed by two at the other end to delay the visitors' qualification, was ruled out.

"That changes the whole night," manager Steve Clarke told BBC Scotland.


www.bbc.com

'Referee changed his mind' - Scots rue VAR chaos

How confusion reigned in Spain as Scott McTominay's wonder goal was ruled out and Scotland's winning run in Euro 2024 qualifying was halted.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Netherlands have their eyes on a sf spot too! This is what Paul van Meekeren said today during his Player of the Match interview:

"Pretty special day. We’ve said earlier we want to go till the semis, and for that we need to win games."
 
Mikel Arteta calls VAR decision to award goal 'a disgrace'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called the video assistant referee's decision to allow Newcastle's goal in their 1-0 win "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

Anthony Gordon bundled in the only goal with three VAR checks - to see if the ball went out of play, if there was a foul and if there was an offside - all coming back in Newcastle's favour.

The result ended Arsenal's unbeaten Premier League start.

"I have to be here now to say it is not acceptable," Arteta told Sky Sports.

"We didn't deserve to lose the match. We lose the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It's embarrassing. A disgrace. That's what it is - a disgrace.

"You cannot imagine the amount of messages I got saying this cannot continue. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don't want to be in the hands of people."

The Spaniard continued to BBC Sport: "It's embarrassing what happened - how this goal stands, in the Premier League - this league we say is the best in the world. I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.

"The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have. It's not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this."



www.bbc.com

'Sick' Arteta fumes at Newcastle VAR goal 'disgrace'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta calls the video assistant referee's decision to allow Newcastle's goal in their 1-0 win "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
I find it astonishing that paid "professionals" in the most-watched and richest league in the world can look at an incident at 20 different angles in slow motion for 5 minutes and still arrive at completely the wrong decision that 90% of viewers can immediately tell.

Do they run IQ tests on these referees? It's pathetic.
 
VAR: Arsenal statement about refereeing standards is 'dangerous', says Gary Neville

Arsenal's call for urgent action on the standards of refereeing in the Premier League is "dangerous", says pundit Gary Neville.

The Gunners backed their manager Mikel Arteta's scathing assessment of "unacceptable" officiating during the 1-0 defeat by Newcastle.

Arteta said the decision to allow Anthony Gordon's winner was "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

"I thought Arsenal's statement was really poor," Neville told Sky Sports.

Three areas around Gordon's goal were checked by Sunday's video assistant referee (VAR) - to see if the ball went out of play in the build-up, if there was a foul and if there was an offside - with all coming back in Newcastle's favour.

Arsenal said the refereeing was "unacceptable", adding players, coaches and supporters all "deserve better".

The club's statement followed Liverpool's anger towards PGMOL, the governing body for referees, after the VAR failed to overturn an incorrect decision to disallow a Luis Diaz goal in their defeat by Tottenham in September.

Liverpool claimed "sporting integrity has been undermined" by the failure.

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil previously said he has "given up on referees" and claimed "we're in a crazy place" following the latest in a string of controversial decisions against his side after they conceded from a late penalty in injury time to lose at Sheffield United.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former Manchester United and England defender Neville added: "Liverpool made a shocking go on PGMOL a couple of weeks ago at Spurs and we knew it was wrong.

"They were hard done by for Luis Diaz's disallowed goal. The day after Liverpool wrote their statement mentioning 'sporting integrity' and looking at all options and suggested a replay.

"I thought it was quite dangerous. Arsenal's statement was quite dangerous too."



www.bbc.com

Arsenal statement on referees 'dangerous' - Neville

Gary Neville says Arsenal's call for urgent action on the standards of refereeing in the Premier League is "dangerous".
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
VAR ain't the issue, it's the corrupt and incompetent clowns using it that's the problem
 
Gareth Southgate: England boss was 'bored' by stoppages in chaotic Chelsea win at Tottenham

England manager Gareth Southgate said he was "bored" by the number of stoppages in Chelsea's chaotic 4-1 win against Tottenham on Monday.

The game had nine video assistant referee (VAR) checks, five disallowed goals, two red cards and 21 minutes of stoppage time.

"Well, I was bored watching the game. I was at the game and it just kept stopping," said Southgate.

"So never mind the players. What about the fans?"

He added: "Now the flip side of that is I think all the decisions were right in the end.

"So if that's the purpose of the game, then fine, but it's sucking the enjoyment out of goals.".


www.bbc.com

England boss Southgate 'bored' by VAR stoppages

England manager Gareth Southgate says he was "bored" by the number of stoppages in Chelsea's chaotic 4-1 win against Tottenham on Monday.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Maybe not for those in the stadium but watching it at home that was a thoroughly entertaining game, it had it all
 
VAR review: Howard Webb says video officials must challenge on-field referees more after incorrect penalty for Newcastle v Wolves

Video assistant referees have been asked to be more proactive in challenging officials following a series of controversial decisions.

This includes Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan being incorrectly penalised for a foul on Newcastle's Fabian Schar during their 2-2 draw.

Premier League refereeing chief Howard Webb said VAR should have intervened.

"We are asking VARs to have a look and if they don't like the decision, ask the referee what they saw," said Webb.

With the game at 1-1 in first-half stoppage time, on-field referee Anthony Taylor awarded a spot-kick when Hwang challenged Schar for the ball in the Wolves area, but the Newcastle man appeared to kick the turf and looked to already be on his way down before any contact.

There was a lengthy VAR check but Taylor's on-field decision stood, and Callum Wilson put Newcastle in front.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil called the decision "scandalous" after the game.


www.bbc.com

VAR must challenge on-field referees more - Webb

Video assistant referees are asked to be more proactive in challenging officials following a series of controversial decisions.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
For those deluded enough to think referees aren't corrupt go watch the non penalty given between Ukraine and Italy. Pure not given as they didn't want a situation where holders could have missed out in playing in main euros.

Stonewall penalty not given by VAR referee
 
Amjid Javed said:
For those deluded enough to think referees aren't corrupt go watch the non penalty given between Ukraine and Italy. Pure not given as they didn't want a situation where holders could have missed out in playing in main euros.

Stonewall penalty not given by VAR referee
Click to expand...
Are we talking about the Mudryk dive? I didn't think it was a penalty

If anything I think UEFA would be desperate for Ukraine to be at the Euro's, a further chance for them to push the Russia-Ukraine war into the mainstream
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Are we talking about the Mudryk dive? I didn't think it was a penalty

If anything I think UEFA would be desperate for Ukraine to be at the Euro's, a further chance for them to push the Russia-Ukraine war into the mainstream
Click to expand...
A dive? 🤣 there was clear contact by defender. It was clumsy challenge to say the least
 
Last edited by a moderator:

VAR: Premier League referees helped by pilots and air traffic controllers​

Pilots and air traffic controllers have been helping England's top referees.

It is part of Howard Webb's drive, as head of refereeing, to improve standards around the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Two pilots spoke at a Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) training camp last month.

They offered their insight into the best method of communication in a stressful situation where multiple voices are having an input.

A previous visit last year from air traffic control staff, prior to Webb taking on his role at PGMOL in December 2022, was arranged for the same reason.

On the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, he had to apologise to Wolves manager Gary O'Neil after Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was not punished for punching striker Sasa Kalajdzic in the face in stoppage time.

Wolves lost the game 1-0.

Then Liverpool were denied a goal at Tottenham in farcical circumstances on 30 September when VAR Darren England thought he had confirmed a Luis Diaz goal but was actually endorsing an incorrect on-field offside decision against the Reds forward. Spurs won the game 2-1.

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing an FA charge after calling the decision to award Newcastle a goal in their match at St James' Park on 4 November "a disgrace".

In Arteta's view, VAR ignored three incidents in the build-up all of which would have seen Anthony Gordon's effort disallowed.

The following day Arsenal released a statement in defence of Arteta.

Webb subsequently said on the internationally-broadcast Premier League Match Officials Mic'd Up programme he believed the decision to allow the goal had been correct.

In last month's meeting, as reported by The Times, it was outlined that pilots have communication with numerous people before take-off and often have to speak to operators for whom English is not their first language.

The need for clarity and accuracy was stressed.

Although match referees do not hear the conversations in the VAR hub, there can often be three voices talking at the same time, with the VAR periodically communicating with the referee to let him know what is happening.

In the aftermath of the Diaz incident, Webb introduced new communication protocols, which included confirmation over what the VAR was confirming.

Meanwhile, it is understood Webb has also reminded referees of the need to take action against players waving imaginary cards after what appeared to be a lessening of the hard-line approach used at the start of the season.

Source: BBC
 
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