A Look at How VAR Works in the EPL

As a part of our series on technology implementations in the Premier League, today we will explore how the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has impacted the EPL, in good ways and bad.

Our other articles in this series cover the Hawk-Eye and Goal Line Technology systems, as well as a history of broadcasting Premier League football over the years.

The VAR system, introduced in the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, has fundamentally changed the landscape of English football. As with any significant technological integration, the application of VAR has sparked debates, controversies, and even commendations from various stakeholders within the sport.

Introduction to VAR in the Premier League

The Premier League adopted VAR after clubs voted in favour of its implementation in November 2018, aiming to provide a technical aid to referees to make more accurate decisions concerning goals, penalty calls, direct red card incidents, and mistaken identity cases.

Depending on the review in question, on-field referees also have the option of reviewing the passage of play on a pitch-side monitor, allowing them to make up their own mind on ‘subjective’ calls.

However, one bone of contention that has been around since the first instance of VAR use in the Premier League is the ‘clear and obvious error’ wording. This, in some cases, has prevented the VAR officials from recommending a pitch-side review. Instead, play resumes with the validation of the on-field decision.

The system had already been employed in several major competitions, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where it had a significant impact on game dynamics and decisions.

The primary objective of VAR is to reduce human errors that can significantly impact the outcome of games. By reviewing incidents with video technology, referees are expected to reach more accurate conclusions, thus enhancing the fairness of the competition.

Implementation and Early Reactions

VAR was officially implemented in the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 season, and the early days of VAR were met with mixed reactions.

Fans and players alike struggled to adapt to the new system, particularly with the delays and lack of communication during the decision-making process. Stadiums equipped with giant screens would display VAR checks, but often the detailed reason behind a decision was not communicated, leading to confusion and frustration among spectators.

Controversial Moments

VAR’s introduction has not been without controversy. One of the most contentious decisions came during a match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford in October 2019, where a late equaliser by Dele Alli was initially missed by the on-field referee but awarded by VAR, despite claims of a handball by Alli.

This incident sparked a debate about the consistency of decision-making, especially regarding handball offences.

Another significant controversy involved Sheffield United and Aston Villa in June 2020, where Sheffield’s Oliver Norwood’s free-kick was clearly carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, but the goal was not awarded.

The incident was attributed to a technical glitch in the Goal Decision System, which VAR failed to correct, leading to widespread criticism about the reliability of the technology.

Probably the most controversy was generated by disallowing a goal for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz on a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2023. A ‘significant human error’ due to poor communication resulted in the cancelation of a valid goal due to the on-field assistant flagging Diaz offside and the VAR failing to overturn the decision in time, despite spotting the error.

Successful Examples of VAR

Despite these controversial instances, there have been passages of play where VAR has positively impacted the game by correcting clear and obvious errors.

One notable example is the 2019 match between Manchester City and West Ham, where a goal by Gabriel Jesus was disallowed for offside. The VAR review was swift and clear, with minimal disruption to the flow of the game, highlighting the system’s potential to enhance decision accuracy without significantly impacting game pace.

Naturally, there are many more examples of proper use of VAR, and, since the system’s arrival on English shores, the good has been outweighing the bad for the most part.

Updates and Improvements

In response to feedback from clubs, players, and fans, the Premier League has made several adjustments to the VAR protocol to enhance its effectiveness and reduce disruptions.

These include clearer communication in stadiums regarding VAR checks and decisions, as well as adjustments to the offside rule and handball interpretations to allow for more consistent decision-making.

One constant criticism of VAR has often been the sheer amount of time needed to reach a decision. This will be addressed starting next season, as the semi-automated offside technology will be debuting in the Premier League this coming August. It has been in use for a number of seasons in UEFA competitions, as well as other top European leagues, with significant success.

You can read about how the technology works here.

Current Perspective and Future Outlook

As of the current season, opinions on VAR remain divided. While some argue that it has made the game fairer, others contend that it disrupts the flow of the game and that the rules around its use remain inconsistently applied.

However, most stakeholders agree that with further refinement, VAR could become an indispensable part of the sport.

The Premier League continues to work with FIFA and IFAB to enhance the technology and its application, aiming for a system that minimises errors without undermining the essence of the sport.

Conclusion

The introduction of VAR in the Premier League has been one of the most significant changes in modern football.

While it has improved decision-making in many instances, it has also been the source of significant controversy and debate. As technology and protocols continue to evolve, the hope is that VAR will achieve its full potential—making football not only fairer but also maintaining the fluidity and spirit that make the game beloved worldwide.

With ongoing tweaks and community feedback, the future of VAR looks promising, albeit challenging, as it strives to blend accuracy with the inherent dynamism of football.