Incident-by-incident: Was it a bad weekend for VAR?
Whisper it quietly, but the statistics say video assistant referee decisions have been pretty good in the Premier League so far this season. The Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel, which looks at every contentious decision and votes whether it is right or wrong, reported just two VAR errors after eight rounds of matches. At the […]
Weekend VAR decisions: an assessment
This weekend proved challenging for video assistant referee (VAR) decisions across the Premier League. The Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel, which evaluates each contentious decision, reported a higher number of potential errors than usual.
Manchester United and Aston Villa had a contentious penalty awarded to Manchester United for a foul by Boubacar Kamara on Matheus Cunha. Replays showed contact occurred on Cunha's foot, suggesting a correct decision.
AFC Bournemouth faced Hull City, with Kai Havertz incorrectly denied a penalty by VAR Michael Oliver due to an offside offense. The law states penalties can be awarded even in an offside position, so a KMI Panel vote likely supports the on-field decision.
Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur also had a difficult VAR call. Jayden Bogle fouled Mathys Tel, but referee John Brooks correctly awarded a free-kick without sanctioning the Leeds player. VAR Tony Harrington did not send Brooks to the monitor for a red card, potentially a mistake according to some.
Everton faced Coventry City, with three incidents generating VAR scrutiny. One involved a possible hair-pull by Everton's James Tarkowski, another a penalty claim for Coventry, and a third involving a handball on Thierno Barry's goal. The KMI Panel may vote differently on each case, but a split decision is possible.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford faced a VAR red card for violent conduct. The VAR reviewed Igor Thiago's foul on Chema Andres and concluded it warranted a red card. The KMI Panel may support the decision, as striking an opponent's head is prohibited under the laws of the game.
Sunderland and Chelsea saw a VAR review for a foul by Luke O’Nien and Jules Ahoka on Cole Palmer, but referee Jarred Gillett initially denied a penalty. The law states that only holding offences require ongoing contact for a penalty, making a KMI Panel vote unlikely to change the on-field decision.
Fulham and Newcastle had a contentious foul call, with Ne (the source stops here).
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